Press Statement: Talamh Beo Condemns Arrest of La Via Campesina Members and Destruction of Agricultural Facilities in Palestine

Issued: 2^nd December 2025

Talamh Beo, the Irish member of the international peasant movement La Via Campesina, is calling for urgent intervention by the Irish government following the arrest of members of La Via Campesina in Palestine, alongside allied agricultural workers, whose offices were also raided and ransacked.

The individuals were detained while carrying out legitimate work in support of small-scale farmers and land-based communities — work that is widely recognised as essential to viable life in Palestine. This includes food sovereignty, heritage seed saving, ecological stewardship, and the protection of rural livelihoods.

The detention of these workers and the destruction of their facilities — including seed-saving infrastructure — raises serious concerns under international human rights standards. Targeting members of civil society in this manner — under false pretexts and trumped-up charges — undermines not only their safety but also the broader principles of democratic participation, ecological sustainability, and rural resilience.

“As farmers and citizens in Ireland, we at Talamh Beo feel a strong connection to this work and to those who carry it out under far more difficult conditions than our own,” said Fergal Anderson, speaking on behalf of the Talamh Beo Operational Group.

“Talamh Beo is the Irish member of La Via Campesina, which represents over 200 million peasants, farmers, and land workers in more than 80 countries. In our context, we work for food sovereignty, agroecology, and the right of communities to shape their food and farming futures — values which resonate deeply with the efforts currently under threat.”

Across Ireland and Europe, civil society and farmer-led organisations have played a critical role in advocating for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and rural regeneration. These same rights and protections must apply globally — especially for those defending land, seed, and livelihood in the most vulnerable regions.

The organisation being targeted is of considerable international standing, supported over many years by recognised foundations and governments for its work with farming communities, agroecological exchanges, and vital humanitarian support.

Talamh Beo is urging the Irish Government to:

1. Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained members of La Via Campesina and allied agricultural workers;
2. Seek assurances that they will not be subject to ill-treatment, coercion, or further intimidation;
3. Request an independent investigation into the raid on their offices and the confiscation or destruction of materials; and
4. Communicate clearly, through diplomatic channels, that the repression of lawful civil society organisations is unacceptable.

Swift action is critical to prevent further harm and to uphold the basic rights of those working to support agricultural communities. Talamh Beo insist that this matter be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.

Read related statement from Via Campesina 

Media contact: press@viacampesina.org