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How the EFCF works > Constitution

Internationale association

Article 1

The international non profit making association named the EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF CITY FARMS (EFCF) was founded according to the law of 25th October 1919 and recognised by royal decree of 19th March. The association falls under the current regulations of title III of the Belgium law of 27th June 1921, concerning the non profit making associations, the international non profit making associations and the foundations.

Article 2

The Federation's registered office is situated in the Brussels Metropolitan Region, Hervormingslaan, 17, 1083 Brussels. The administrative office is situated at Schapenstraat, 14, 1750 Lennik, Belgium.

Article 3

The Federation's purpose is to

• promote the interests and mutual co-operation of Kinderboerderijen, Jeugdboerderijan, Gezinsboerderijen, Fermes d'Enfants, Fermes d'Animation, Jugendfarmen, Aktivispielplatze, City Farms and 4H-Farms, similar organisations that actively promote the equal access and involvement of children, young people and adults through practical experience in a wide range of educational , environmental, recreational, social and economic activities focused around farming, empowering people to improve their own lives and environment in peaceful co-existence
• promote the exchange of information, best practice and expertise of people who are engaged in City Farms and other Community Land Based Projects and their activities (including: Community gardens, adventure playgrounds, food growing projects, environmental conservation and biodiversity projects and recycling ventures).
• to encourage the organic management of land
• promote education and training of members including staff, volunteers and users
• promoting transnational projects and exchanges both as hosts and visitors
• promote and aid the organisation of international conferences
• maintain an active commitment to sustainable development principles and practices in all programmes and actions
• promote a programme of European co-operation and integration.

Article 4

The Federation is established for an unlimited duration. It can be dissolved at any time by agreement of the members.

Article 5

The number of members is unlimited but should be at least three. The European Federation is composed of federations that subscribe to Article 3 and that are legally constituted according to the laws and customs of their countries. The General Meeting may accept new member Federations

Article 6

All members are free to leave the Federation by handing in their resignation to the Board of Directors. The exclusion of a member can only by pronounced by the General Meeting. The resigning or excluded member does not have any right to the registered capital and cannot claim the reimbursement of paid contributions or deposits, if any.

Article 7

The membership fee is fixed by the General Meeting. The maximum contribution is fixed at 1,000 Euro a year.

Article 8

The General Meeting is the sovereign authority of the Federation and is composed of representatives of the members. A member can be represented in the General Meeting by another member on presentation of a written proxy. A member can only represent one other member by proxy.

Article 9

The General Meeting is empowered to:

• Alter the articles
• Nominate and dismiss the directors
• Approve the budget and accounts
• Dissolve the federation
• Accept new members
• Exclude members
• Change the agenda of the General Meeting

Article 10

The General Meeting is called together at least once a year. The General Meeting is convened by the Board of Directors The convening notices are sent by ordinary letter, signed by the secretary or chairperson and addressed to all members, at least 28 days before the meeting The convening notice will include the agenda. The members can at any time be called together for an Extraordinary General Meeting by the Board of Directors, or at the request of at least one fifth of the members Notices for an Extraordinary General Meeting are sent at least 28 days prior to the meeting.

Article 11

The decisions of the General Meeting must be recorded in the minutes and sent to all the members. A copy of the minutes are kept in the office of the Federation.

Article 12

The General Meeting is presided over by the chairperson of the Board of Directors or, in his/her absence, by a member of the Board of Directors. 60% of member Federations constitute a quorum. A decision by the General Meeting to dissolve or to modify the articles is only valid when the General Meeting is assembled as set out in article 10 and meets and takes decisions as set out in article 12. Any change of articles is only enforced after approval by the official Belgium body, according to art. 50 para. 3 of the Belgium law and after publication in the Attachment of the Belgium law gazette (Bijlage tot het Belgisch Staatsblad).

Article 13

The association is managed by a Board of Directors composed of at least three representatives appointed and dismissed by the General Meeting. The directors are appointed for two years and their term of office is renewable. Half the Board stands down each year. Membership of the Board is terminated by death, dismissal, civil incapacity or expiry of the term of office. Board members can only be dismissed by the AGM as stated in articles 9, 10 and 12. When a directorship becomes vacant, the other directors may co-opt another representative who must stand down at the next General Meeting. Board

Article 14

The Board of Directors nominates a president, secretary and treasurer.

Article 15

The Board of Directors has the widest empowerment concerning administration, representation and management of the Federation in harmony with the wishes of the AGM. The Board of Directors decides with simply (51%) majority of the represented board members.

Article 16

The financial year of the EFCF begins on January 1st and is closed on December 31st of each year. According to article 53 of the law, the Board of Directors present the accounts of the previous financial year and the budget of the next financial year. The AGM to approve the accounts and budget. According to article 51 of the law, the annual accounts aare to be submitted to the Federal Department of Justice.

Article 17

The Board of Directors appoints those people who can represent the Federation legally amongst the board members. As a petitioner or a defender in court, only the chairman or two board members can act. All official papers have to be signed by the chairman or two board members.

Article 18

In case of disbanding, the net property of the Federation has to be transferred to one or more organisations of the same kind.

Article 19

Any other matters not described by these articles and especially the publications in the Attachments of the Belgian Law Gazette, is dealt with in accordance with the regulations of title III of the law of June 27th 1921, concerning the non profit making organisations, the international non profit making organisations and the foundations.