NGO Major Group
Comment on the Draft Negotiating Text
27 February 2009, PM
Gaps and Omissions:
We are concerned about the largely technology solution-slant of the document, thus
missing the social and economic dimensions of such farmer-centered alternatives as
ecological agriculture and organic agriculture.
Stronger presentation of the rights-based approach, to food, land, water and productive
resources
Biofuels failed to capture the seriousness of the threats posed by biofuels to local and
global food security as shown in last year?s food price crises. The reference to further
research and development on 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels must properly reflect this
caution.
Livestock references should include humane treatment of animals which is directly linked
to health and environment.
On Africa:
Recognition of the role of structural adjustments programs in damaging Africa?s
agriculture as a starting point of discussing the problems in African agriculture
Scaling up of pilot home grown school feeding programs under the NEPAD
Managed grazing
We look forward to a more focused document that can provide clear and concrete
directions to urgently address the multiple crises where Agriculture plays critical role.
We look forward to an exciting and stimulating CSD-17.
