Major Group: Business & Industry
Business and Industry Statement on Drought
Commission on Sustainable Development
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting to the 17th Session (CSD17)
25 February 2009
Madame Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, I am Helen
Medina , Director of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Health Care at the US Council for
International Business speaking on behalf of the business and industry major group.
Today it is clear that drought is a key challenge for sustainable development, and one likely to
be worsened by climate change. Access to water, especially clean water is the foundation of
any sustainable community and business especially agriculture. No society, community or
business can operate without water. However, this challenge can be met through existing
technologies and continued investment in innovation, research and development and must be
given priority especially in this challenging economic environment. Business and industry in
conjunction with the farmers and scientist groups believe that a broad-based knowledgecentered
approach and increased private-public partnerships to addressing challenges such as
drought are needed.
Farmers need to be given the tools such as drought-resistant crops, crop varieties that can
raise their yields and other tools to mitigate drought. For example, most plant science
companies have been working developing drought tolerant crops and in fact drought-resistant
corn is expected in less than 5 years. Farmers also need to have increased access to training
and knowledge so that they can implement the best practices, such as better use of water
resources and generally better management of soil, for their environment. Finally, they also
require important information such as weather, drought forecasts and must have access to
risk management tools, such as insurance.
In addition to farmers, business and industry will also be impacted by drought. Businesses as
users of water resources and services, creators of jobs and products that people need,
providers of water related technology, equipment and services, and as a driving force for
economic development, have considerable skills and resources to bring to the table.
Businesses are committed to creating technological solutions that solve problems and make
economic sense. The private sector conducts research, makes innovations and has tangible
expertise regarding best practices, efficiency, water conservation and water and waste
management and is keen to share these with policy and decision makers.
We believe that the engagement of all stakeholders is essential to develop comprehensive,
strategic options to address drought and the impact it will have on the economic and socialwell
being of society. Business, industry, farmers and scientist groups look forward to working
with the available governance, infrastructure, financial, technical, human and operational
resources in different communities around the world to address the challenges caused by
drought.
Farming First
Safeguarding natural resources - furthering widespread adoption of sustainable
practices of water and land use, such as conservation technology.
Sharing knowledge - while much knowledge to improve global agriculture already
exists it often does not reach those farmers who could benefit most. Programs like
village-based knowledge centre help.
Building local access - fundamental resources should be available to farmers to
help them manage their production process more reliably, including mechanical
tools, seed, fertilizer, and crop protection.
Protecting harvest - in many of the poorest countries, 20-40% of crop yields are
lost because of inadequate pre- and post-harvest support. Likewise, vast quantities
of food are squandered during production and consumption phases of the food chain.
Enable access to markets - farmers need to be able to get their products to
market and receive equitable price treatment when they do by getting information
like up-to-date market pricing even in remote areas.
Prioritise research imperatives - achieving sustainable agriculture requires
intensified, continuous research, prioritising locally relevant crops, stewardship techniques,
and adaptation to climate change.
Commission on Sustainable Development
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting to the 17th Session (CSD17)
25 February 2009
Madame Chairperson, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, I am Helen
Medina , Director of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Health Care at the US Council for
International Business speaking on behalf of the business and industry major group.
Today it is clear that drought is a key challenge for sustainable development, and one likely to
be worsened by climate change. Access to water, especially clean water is the foundation of
any sustainable community and business especially agriculture. No society, community or
business can operate without water. However, this challenge can be met through existing
technologies and continued investment in innovation, research and development and must be
given priority especially in this challenging economic environment. Business and industry in
conjunction with the farmers and scientist groups believe that a broad-based knowledgecentered
approach and increased private-public partnerships to addressing challenges such as
drought are needed.
Farmers need to be given the tools such as drought-resistant crops, crop varieties that can
raise their yields and other tools to mitigate drought. For example, most plant science
companies have been working developing drought tolerant crops and in fact drought-resistant
corn is expected in less than 5 years. Farmers also need to have increased access to training
and knowledge so that they can implement the best practices, such as better use of water
resources and generally better management of soil, for their environment. Finally, they also
require important information such as weather, drought forecasts and must have access to
risk management tools, such as insurance.
In addition to farmers, business and industry will also be impacted by drought. Businesses as
users of water resources and services, creators of jobs and products that people need,
providers of water related technology, equipment and services, and as a driving force for
economic development, have considerable skills and resources to bring to the table.
Businesses are committed to creating technological solutions that solve problems and make
economic sense. The private sector conducts research, makes innovations and has tangible
expertise regarding best practices, efficiency, water conservation and water and waste
management and is keen to share these with policy and decision makers.
We believe that the engagement of all stakeholders is essential to develop comprehensive,
strategic options to address drought and the impact it will have on the economic and socialwell
being of society. Business, industry, farmers and scientist groups look forward to working
with the available governance, infrastructure, financial, technical, human and operational
resources in different communities around the world to address the challenges caused by
drought.
Farming First
Safeguarding natural resources - furthering widespread adoption of sustainable
practices of water and land use, such as conservation technology.
Sharing knowledge - while much knowledge to improve global agriculture already
exists it often does not reach those farmers who could benefit most. Programs like
village-based knowledge centre help.
Building local access - fundamental resources should be available to farmers to
help them manage their production process more reliably, including mechanical
tools, seed, fertilizer, and crop protection.
Protecting harvest - in many of the poorest countries, 20-40% of crop yields are
lost because of inadequate pre- and post-harvest support. Likewise, vast quantities
of food are squandered during production and consumption phases of the food chain.
Enable access to markets - farmers need to be able to get their products to
market and receive equitable price treatment when they do by getting information
like up-to-date market pricing even in remote areas.
Prioritise research imperatives - achieving sustainable agriculture requires
intensified, continuous research, prioritising locally relevant crops, stewardship techniques,
and adaptation to climate change.