Time for action to avoid world food shortages

Addressing the World Farmers’ Congress this week, he said that the time for talking had “run out” and that action and policy was the key if food production is to keep pace with population growth without damaging the environment.

Speaking in Rome, he said: “Sustainable intensification isn’t a new concept and from speaking to farmers from around the world we know and understand that this is where our challenge lies.

“Put simply, we need to produce more and impact less.

“What is less clear is that Governments and global decision-makers have a proper understanding of what is needed, by whom, how and at what cost.

“However, the World Farmers’ Organisation gives a voice to what needs to happen in the next five to ten years if farmers are to start addressing the huge production challenges that lie ahead.

“Firstly, we need to see more investment in science R&D, and essentially more emphasis on this work being transferred into tangible products, technologies and practices that benefit farmers and growers in the field.

“Second, we need to see a better functioning marketplace, one where all of the players in the supply chain share the risks – and the rewards.

“And thirdly, a thriving agriculture sector needs to have effective regulation and policy frameworks that free up its true potential rather than hinder it with burdensome red tape.

“Now, these challenges are fairly well-documented so let’s talk about timescales.

“To really hammer home the point, as I see it, we have just 13 harvests before we have 500 million more people needing food in Africa alone.”