#WorldFoodDay Blog - Main contents
Today is World Food Day - an occasion for citizens, farmers, researchers, agri-businesses and policymakers to take stock of where we stand in our global mission to feed the world in a sustainable, nutritious way.
Today is World Food Day - an occasion for citizens, farmers, researchers, agri-businesses and policymakers to take stock of where we stand in our global mission to feed the world in a sustainable, nutritious way.
It was my honour to represent the Commission at a number of Expo Milan 2015 events. The Expo's theme, "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life", provided me with a timely opportunity to outline how research, innovation and responsible investment can drive agricultural growth in Europe, Africa and beyond. Yesterday, my colleague Commissioner Carlos Moedas and I outlined the work being done at European Commission level to back research and innovation in the agri-food sector, providing a key step to Global Food and Nutrition Security. I was delighted to highlight the EU's decision to nearly double its budget allocation for agricultural research under our flagship Horizon 2020 investment plan.
Younger farmers all over Europe stand at the forefront of innovation in agriculture, and I was also delighted to hear from Alan Jagoe, president of the European Council of Young Farmers, on the occasion of a new report on the needs of Young European farmers. It was also a real pleasure to meet Mark O'Dowd at the Expo, winner of a European Union Contest for Young Scientists prize for his path breaking research into the improvement of crop yields.
On Thursday I spoke at a high level political seminar on "Agribusiness investments in partnership with farmer organisations in ACP countries", examining the possibilities for smart investment in developing country agriculture with Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture. My meeting with Marike de Peña, the chairman of Fairtrade, was also a chance to discuss the new EU Trade and Investment Strategy, expanding measures to support sustainable development, fair and ethical trade and human rights in the developing world.
Today, the Expo is celebrating the 35th World Food Day. I believe EU Policies have a real role to play in improving global food security and feeding the planet in a sustainable way. The Commission stands ready to meet this challenge head on, using existing instruments such as the Common Agricultural Policy, and shaping new instruments where appropriate.
Some 795 million people worldwide still suffer from chronic hunger, and with global population growth continuing rapidly, the world will have to produce 60% more food by 2050. We also know that agriculture is crucial for reducing poverty and eradicating hunger. The challenge, therefore, is to produce more, using less. If you would like to know more about the work we are doing at the Commission to eradicate hunger, build global food security, and make agriculture more safe and sustainable, please have a look at the following:
Expo Milan speech on agri-food development
Agribusiness investment in partnership with farmers' organizations in ACP countries
Recent declarations on agri-food development strategies
ACP - EU relations after 2020: Issues for the EU in consultation phase 1 - Final Report
EU blending - European Union aid to catalyse investments
Policy frameworks for agri-food development
Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol Countries (AMSP)
The Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM)
Consolidation of the Action Framework for the EU-Africa Partnership on Cotton
Earlier this week I addressed the Committee of the Regions plenary focusing on the progress of CAP simplification. This was a welcome opportunity to engage with local and regional representatives on pressing issues affecting agriculture. My exchange with representatives was also a chance to highlight actions already undertaken, including the €500 million relief package to the dairy sector and a more recent €111 million fund to promote EU agri-food produce on global markets.
I was also pleased to announce the ring-fencing of €30 million for the troubled milk and pigmeat sectors alongside the formation of a Sheep meat reflection group to examine future possibilities for the EU sheep sector. I look forward to mounting a diplomatic offensive in the coming months, leading trade missions to open further opportunities for EU producers across the globe.
Read more ...