3. Guiding Principles
The following principles apply to the entire vision and should guide every stage of planning and implementation.
Policies and programs developed for “residents of the Bay Area” prioritize and are accountable to all communities harmed by systems of oppression.
Indigenous Peoples “exercise sovereignty,” advising the region on land stewardship, informing the types of projects that are developed, and giving free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) to projects and practices that impact their lands, waters and territories, in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Bay Area is “accountable to the land” by preventing or reducing environmental degradation, replenishing the local ecosystem, and following the leadership of peoples indigenous to these occupied territories.
The Bay Area’s “zero waste economy,” means that high quality food is grown and made here, and is used to nourish residents and workers and financially support small and local Bay Area businesses. All communities within the Bay can easily access locally-grown fresh produce and locally-made food.
The Bay Area’s food system policies and practices elevate values of collective care and reflect the larger goal of “dismantling white supremacy.”
“Disability Justice” means centering and equitably incorporating the diversity of peoples’ abilities into all aspects of the Bay Area food system. Visible and non-visible disabilities do not hinder access to free, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, employment or living wages.
“Language Justice” means that all businesses and institutions in the regional food system either (a) provide written materials and services in each of the languages spoken in the Bay Area or (b) provide interpretation and translation services. Language is not a barrier and does not hinder access to free, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, employment or living wages.
“Economic Justice” means there are fair employment opportunities and living wages for farmworkers and all workers in the Bay Area food system.
The Bay Area food system adopts the “precautionary principle” and requires that when the safety of any chemical ingredient or additive, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, is questioned by evidence of community impacts or scientific study, it is immediately banned until proven safe.
“Regenerative practices” are those that replenish rather than deplete local ecosystems and provide good, fair and family-sustaining jobs.
“Sustainability” means preserving the capacity of our region to produce the food needed for its residents to thrive.