Food, Farming and Solidarity brings West Bank realities from Palestine to Buncrana

A unique insight into farming in Palestine and the challenges farmers and food producers are facing in the Occupied West Bank will be shared during a powerful community event in Buncrana next Saturday.

‘Food, Farming and Solidarity’, which will take place in St Mary’s Hall, Buncrana on Saturday 26^th July from 4-6 pm, is a talk and community discussion about the daily realities of farmers in the West Bank, who face daily struggles for survival yet continue with courage, ingenuity and hope.

The guest speaker on the day is Dr Oliver ‘Ollie’ Moore, from Cultivate, the Sustainable Ireland Co-op based in Cloughjordan Ecovillage. An expert in rural regeneration and a lecturer at the UCC’s Centre for Co-Operative Studies, Ollie is involved in farming and food projects throughout Ireland and Europe.

As a member of the Irish farming organisation, Talamh Beo, Dr Moore was part of an international delegation of La Via Campesina to visit the Occupied Palestinian territories in December 2024.

Moore’s talk will explore the resilience and ingenuity of Palestinian farmers, particularly those working with olives, the West Bank’s most significant agricultural product. It’s estimated that up to one-third of the Palestinian population in the region is involved in olive cultivation or related industries such as oil and soap production.

The Buncrana event, organised by ChangeMakers Donegal in collaboration with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) Inishowen Branch, aims to foster dialogue around food justice and international solidarity. Attendees will receive a leaflet outlining practical actions they can take to support Palestinian farmers from home in their communities and at work.

In addition to the talk, guests can enjoy locally-produced food and browse stalls featuring Palestinian Fairtrade products, including olive oil and soap from Zaytoun. The Derry IPSC will also showcase its ’Growing for Gaza’ initiative.

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The event coincides with Rodden’s Bar Weekender 4 Palestine in Buncrana, which features an excellent weekend of music and events. Both events will act as fundraisers for the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC).

Joanne Fullerton, of ChangeMakers Donegal, says they were motivated to hold an event for UAWC after hearing Ollie Moore speak about his time in the West Bank and the work of the Union of Agricultural Work Committees.

“UAWC has worked since 1986 to support rural communities in Gaza and the West Bank, empowering farmers and defending their right to access land, water, and livelihoods,” said Joanne. “I believe that collectively, we can bring about positive change by harnessing the power of food and farming to address social and environmental issues worldwide.”

“Palestine, in particular, needs all forms of support,” added Joanne.

Joanne says the ChangeMakers event and the Weekender 4 Palestine in Rodden’s Bar are examples of the passionate collaborative community effort which exists in Inishowen and Derry.

The event in St Mary’s Hall, Buncrana, on 26^th July is free to attend and all are welcome. Donations to UAWC will be gratefully accepted on the day.

Prebooking for the event is necessary via the ChangeMakers Donegal Eventbrite webpage or their social media pages.