BIC BRUSSELS — An overarching principle that should underpin any conversation on agriculture is the oneness of humanity, says the Brussels Office of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in a new statement on the future of agriculture in the European Union.

The statement—addressed to a recent meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting—highlights several broad considerations essential to effective reforms to food systems, including: justice as a guiding principle in international relations to ensure that trade is fair and beneficial to all; the need to revisit the assumption that competition and relentless growth are essential for material well-being; prioritizing the needs of farmers of all scales of production in agricultural deliberations and policymaking; and fostering educational systems that emphasize the nobility of farming and encourage youth to apply their intellectual and scientific capabilities toward the development of new, sustainable, and context-appropriate technologies.

The Brussels Office further states that Europe’s decisions regarding agriculture have far-reaching impacts, necessitating a deep appreciation of the broader global context. It stresses that the agricultural well-being of all societies is not just a strategic imperative but, above all, a moral one, especially given Europe’s “pivotal role in the global economic and financial order.”

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Rachel Bayani, a representative of the BIC Brussels Office, spoke with the News Service, discussing the essential interconnectedness of global food systems and the moral imperative to collectively address the challenges of developing more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems.

“The future of agriculture hinges not only on technical solutions but on our recognition of the oneness of humanity,” she stated.

“We must embrace justice and cooperation at every level,” continued Mrs. Bayani, “reimagine our economic assumptions, and place the needs of farmers and the environment at the heart of our policies. By doing so, we can cultivate a world where the prosperity and sustainability of the agricultural sector worldwide reinforces our shared humanity.”

The statement, which can be viewed here, is part of the BIC’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the discourse on food security by exploring how spiritual principles—such as oneness, justice, and the harmony of science and religion—can be applied to building sustainable food systems.