Pierre Rabhi, humanist agroecology leader passed away

On December 4, Pierre Rabhi, a French farmer, writer and thinker of Algerian origin, one of the pioneers of organic farming in France, passed away. He advocated a more respectful society for the people and the land and advocated agricultural practices accessible to all and in particular to the most disadvantaged, while preserving the nutritional value. Recognized as an international expert on food security, he participated in the development of the UN Convention against Desertification, and for more than 40 years devoted himself to training in Africa, France and Europe, seeking to restore food autonomy in populations and communities.

Very critical of modern technocratic civilization and the myth of progress and indefinite growth, he called for an ethic of happy sobriety, and the ‘insurrection of consciousness’, to unite the best of humanity and stop the suffering and destruction of Mother Earth. Rabhi lived consistent with what he advocated, in a simple farmhouse in Ardèche, France, with his family.

Throughout his life, Pierre Rabhi founded or promoted many organizations, such as the Terre & Humanisme association, the Oasis Movement, the Les Amanins agro-ecological center, the Ferme des enfants-Hameau des Buis and the Collibris mouvement. A prolific speaker and writer, his books include: Vers la sobrieté heureuse, Le Chant de la Terre, L’Agroécologie, une éthique de vie i Le pouvoir de la modération.

More information here.