Monday, May 12, 2008

Who Will Talk to the Farmers?

If food shortage is the fundamental problem facing the world, where is the response by national governments in partnership with their farmers to resolve it? We have enough land, we have enough resources and we have enough farmers. We just do not have enough good agricultural policy or the political will to get on a path towards sustainable development.

By Jack Wilkinson, President of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP)

If food shortage is the fundamental problem facing the world, where is the response by national governments in partnership with their farmers to resolve it? We have enough land, we have enough resources and we have enough farmers. We just do not have enough good agricultural policy or the political will to get on a path towards sustainable development.

Over a hundred years ago, strong farmer organizations were formed in developed countries as a way for farmers to consolidate their power base. They did not have help from donor agencies, and out of necessity, they created farmer-centered institutions. Today, the FAO, IFAD, NGOs and others should be making efforts to consolidate the strengths of the different farm groups that they are working with so that they have a real influence on policy discussions and in marketing chains to improve farmers' livelihoods.

Agriculture needs to be given a much higher priority on development agendas, with a strong participatory role given to farmers’ organizations, in helping the world to achieve a sustainable future. Government withdrawal from supporting agricultural services is destabilizing rural economies and exacerbating poverty. Governments need to strengthen their engagement with farmers and other stakeholders to exploit the full potential of agriculture in reducing poverty and conserving natural resources.

It is time to act instead of talk, it is time to plant fields instead of having conferences, and it is time for national governments—with their farmers—to take their responsibilities seriously.

IFAP is calling on CSD member-state governments to develop effective programs to promote the development of farming sectors that are productive, profitable and sustainable, particularly for small-scale farmers. Farmers’ concerns range from climate change and land tenure issues to bioenergy and farmer-centered rural development strategies, and must be addressed to avert global catastrophe.

IFAP is the farmers' voice at the world level and has been advocating farmers’ interests at the international level since 1946.

IFAP President Jack Wilkinson will be available for meetings and interviews between May 13 and 15 in New York. Please contact Jessica Goodfellow, IFAP Communications Officer, for scheduling: +336235106563.