New York, New York
May 21, 2008
Agricultural technology is
critical in addressing the global food crisis
DuPont (NYSE: DD) Group Vice
President James C. Borel told a special United Nations meeting
on the global food crisis here yesterday that providing farmers
in developing countries access to improved agricultural
technologies and farming techniques is critical in addressing
the global food crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the private sector for the International
Chamber of Commerce, Borel gave the U.N. Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) business and industry's perspective on
immediate and long-term solutions to the food crisis.
"Agriculture must be higher on our agenda in a world of
increasing food demands and shrinking resources," he said.
"Farmers and agri-businesses are the engines that will enable
increases in productivity. "I assure you that the private sector
and the 1.3 billion farmers around the world are eager to help
and are committed to being a part of the solution."
Borel told the group that local farmers, ag-retailers, grain
handlers and extension programs should be included in addressing
the immediate needs, so that the infrastructure, investments and
advancements they provide are not destroyed.
"As we address the short-term needs, do not repeat the mistakes
of the past 20 years when agriculture received little policy
attention or investment in the areas where it was needed most,"
Borel said.
He outlined four long-term solutions that business and industry
believes would increase productivity and help alleviate poverty
and hunger.
Encourage research and the dissemination of technologies and
techniques for sustainable agriculture and water management.
Public and private sector scientists must collaborate to develop
technologies that will help crops be more tolerant to drought,
salt and heat, and can utilize fertilizers more efficiently.
Once produced, it is critical that they are made accessible.
Deliver extension and agronomy programming at a local level to
ensure productivity increases are sustainable. "The benefits of
investing in research and innovation can only be realized if the
technologies can be adequately disseminated," Borel said.
Increase stewardship training in agricultural best practices at
the local level. For productivity gains to be sustainable,
farmers must use the best stewardship practices available to
help improve soil productivity and limit environmental impacts.
Establish secure land tenure and recognize female land owners.
"Women play a key role across sectors and at all levels of
society," Borel said. "Their contributions must be recognized."
The World Summit Outcome called on the United Nations' ECOSOC to
serve as a quality platform for the high-level engagement of
multiple stakeholders on emerging global trends. The General
Assembly has called on the Council to raise awareness and
promote the engagement of stakeholders in support of concerted,
coordinated and comprehensive international relief efforts.
Yesterday's special meeting of the Council will identify urgent
and long-term actions at the country and sub-regional levels to
address the global food crisis.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company.
Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating
sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier
life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services
for markets including agriculture and food; building and
construction; communications; and transportation. |
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