Farmers Major Group statement from Session 3 of the 2nd Intersessional meeting of
UNCSD.
Thank you chair
We will deliver this statement in two short parts. The first by the Farmers Major Group and
2nd by La ViaCampesina.
As one-third of the world’s population and one-half of its poor, farmers should be the 4th
pillar of any sustainable development discussion. It is essential that the Rio
+20outcomecontains an action plan that addresses the needs of farmers, particularly smallscale
farmers and the rural poor if the goals of poverty eradication, food security and
sustainable development are to be achieved.
In the outcome document, the seven priority items, including food securityand sustainable
agriculture should each receive one section. That sectionshould reiterate the work of CSD-
17 and call for countries to live up tocommitments such as L'Aquila and CAADP and link to
existing bodies such asthe FAO and the Committee on Food Security.
The action plan should allow states and their farmers the opportunity to strengthen and
develop their agriculture sectors according to their specific needs and in the most
sustainable way possible. The action plan should ensure the following:
· a multi-stakeholder mechanism, such as achieved through the IAASTD process, to
ensure the direct participation of small scale food producers, pastoralists, indigenous
peoples, peasants and the rural poor in policy development
· Increased support for knowledge systems such as participatory approaches to
farmer to farmer training and extension systems,
· Good animal welfare practices and sustainability of livestock farming which plays a
key role in poverty eradication.
Finally it is essential that observer organizations have full participation in all meetings and
processes on the Road to Rio. Let us all work together to make Rio +20 the conference of
achievement.
Thank you
