Occupation Of MAFF (Ministry Of Farms And Fish)

On Tuesday 23rd May, concerned members of the public from all over the country descended in a madly spontaneous action, on the MAFF building in Smith Square, London.

At precisely 2 pm, six respectable looking people calmly walked into the foyer, sat down on the floor and proceeded to form a circle attaching themselves together with lock-ons i.e. attached to each others wrists with carabinas and chain down drain-pipes. One person in the circle was also attached to a door to prevent the circle being moved. Another activist locked on, with a d-lock around his neck, to the front door. A support person who wasn't locked on was allowed to stay inside with them. Messages written on the drainpipes read 'MAFF loves Advanta', 'Wot no democracy?', 'Another MAFF-GAFF' etc.

Outside four activists braved the rain holding a banner with 'Pull up and Pay Up' as well as signs that stated that 'GAFF was closed due to dishonesty, deception and undemocratic behaviour over the genetic contamination of the Countryside'.

There then followed six hours of interesting conversation with the four van-loads of riot cops that turned up about everything from allotments and corporate control to the merits of organic chocolate. Despite ruthless singing of the entire 'Seize the Day' repetoire, we realised that the Minister responsible, Nick Brown, would not come and meet with us.

It was a model of elegant British civil disobedience with no arrests and no confiscation of equipment. It was fun, simple, empowering and made national media as well as providing an outlet for some of the deep frustrations and concerns of the people that took part.