Year 2004 is International Year of Rice. Being a regional farmers’ organization in the largest rice-eating and rice-producing region in the world, AFA embarked on a Sustainable Rice Campaign this year. To launch this campaign, a rice forum and a rice festival were held last February 15, in Karawang, West Java, as part of the AFA GA activity.
The AFA Rice Campaign aim to (1) increase the awareness of AFA members about rice liberalization and sustainable rice issues, prospects and opportunities; and (2) draw and start implementation of a long term campaign plan to promote sustainable rice agriculture and stop negative effects of rice liberalization to farmers, both at the national and regional levels.