Rome, Italy
July 8, 2009
If the leaders of the G8 really do
intend to increase spending on agricultural development now, in
order to prevent the need for emergency food aid in future, they
need to do more than simply increase support.
"Just returning spending on research and development to where it
was a couple of decades ago is not going to do the job if the
thinking behind the research also returns to where it was 20
years ago," warned Emile Frison, Director General of
Bioversity
International.
Bioversity repeatedly told the preparatory meetings for the G8
that while emergency aid is important, it does not increase food
security in the future. "Only improved agriculture can do that,"
said Frison.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made similar points in the
run up to the G8 meeting this week.
"Changes in spending have to be matched by changes in attitude,"
Frison commented.
Bioversity International believes that simple intensification of
production will not be enough, especially in Africa, with its
much greater diversity of staple crops, landscapes, soil types,
cultures and weather patterns. Agricultural biodiversity has a
significant and under-appreciated role to play in delivering
more resilient harvests, adaptability to climate change, better
nutrition and health, environmental protection and economic
development.
"We can offer concrete examples of how the leaders of the G8 can
take positive steps to turn their statement on global food
security into reality," said Frison.
Initial reports indicated that donors planned to "triple
spending" on agricultural development. That suggests something
like $1.5 billion directly on international R&D. At least $150
million a year should go to research that would enable farmers
-- especially the poorest farmers in Africa -- to make full use
of their agricultural biodiversity.
"Anything less will condemn the leaders of the G8 to spending
more in future on emergency food aid," Frison noted, "and that
is exactly what they say they do not want to do."
"The statement on global food security is a welcome step in the
right direction, but with the eyes of the world on them, the
leaders of the G8 must ensure that their fine words are
translated into effective action," Frison concluded.
Bioversity International, with its Headquarters in Rome,
Italy, has worked for more than 35 years to support the improved
use and conservation of agricultural diversity. Through
international research, in collaboration with partners
throughout the world, Bioversity strives to build the knowledge
base needed to ensure effective use of diversity to increase
sustainable agricultural production, improve livelihoods and
meet the challenge of climate change. |
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