Major Group: Farmers
Statement by the Farmers’ Major Group
On the Opening of the Rio +20 PrepComm
By Robynne Anderson
Mister Chairman,
The Farmers’ Major Group shares the enthusiasm for the upcoming summit and the call for transparency.
Sustainable agriculture is the core of the green economy, and national farmers’ organizations want to be a key partner in all levels of discussion.
As well, farmers represent a third of the world’s population and a large portion of the world’s poor, we are very cognisant of the challenges to achieving sustainable development. Food security is certainly an important emerging issue which will intersect with all decisions and requires policy coherence with other agendas such as environment, energy, natural resource use, international trade and development.
In selecting the tone for the discussions, we encourage a focus on some of the achievements made. While there is still much to be done, we believe engagement in the larger population can only be achieved if they hear the stories of the important localized achievements and can see a path to progress. A harangue of the failures alone, will not be enough. Thus, we encourage a substantial discussion on best practices, extension, and the impediments to scaling up solutions.
On the question of organization, it will come as no surprise that we in the Major Groups are eager to see opportunities for meaningful contribution to the discussions. Rising to your challenge, Mr. Chairman, we will work to mobilize the global network of farmers and to participate fully in the discussions.
Thank you.
On the Opening of the Rio +20 PrepComm
By Robynne Anderson
Mister Chairman,
The Farmers’ Major Group shares the enthusiasm for the upcoming summit and the call for transparency.
Sustainable agriculture is the core of the green economy, and national farmers’ organizations want to be a key partner in all levels of discussion.
As well, farmers represent a third of the world’s population and a large portion of the world’s poor, we are very cognisant of the challenges to achieving sustainable development. Food security is certainly an important emerging issue which will intersect with all decisions and requires policy coherence with other agendas such as environment, energy, natural resource use, international trade and development.
In selecting the tone for the discussions, we encourage a focus on some of the achievements made. While there is still much to be done, we believe engagement in the larger population can only be achieved if they hear the stories of the important localized achievements and can see a path to progress. A harangue of the failures alone, will not be enough. Thus, we encourage a substantial discussion on best practices, extension, and the impediments to scaling up solutions.
On the question of organization, it will come as no surprise that we in the Major Groups are eager to see opportunities for meaningful contribution to the discussions. Rising to your challenge, Mr. Chairman, we will work to mobilize the global network of farmers and to participate fully in the discussions.
Thank you.