Netherlands
Madam Chair,
When making this statement I align myself with the statement made earlier on in this
debate by the EC on behalf of the EU.
? The re-discovery of agriculture as a main driver for economic development and
poverty alleviation is crucial. Facing our challenges in food, feed and fuel
today requires a new approach in agricultural production. The Netherlands
considers agriculture to be key to economic development. We need
investments in agriculture and innovative and sustainable technologies to
make agricultural production patterns sustainable, to stimulate local and
regional markets also for both small and medium size agro-businesses.
? We also need to improve access to international markets for all stakeholders
in both developing and developed countries.
? The Netherlands government is committed to improving sustainable
agricultural development also in developing countries, in particular in Africa.
The role of women and youth in both the production and decision making
processes in the agricultural sector is vital and should be an integral part of the
allocation of resources.
? We will invest an additional 50 (five zero) million Euros for the revitalisation of
agriculture in increasing productivity, agricultural knowledge and training, local
economies, value-adding chain development and ensuring food security in
developing countries.
? Madam chair, specifically with regard to biofuels it is important that we manage
the risks. The Netherlands has been actively involved in the negotiations of the
EU biofuels sustainability criteria and sees this legislation as an important
milestone in ensuring the sustainability of biofuels. Cooperation on a more
global level is also of key importance to the Netherlands. That is why we are
involved in the discussions on sustainability criteria for biofuels in the Global
Bioenergy Partnership and in the Round Tables on Sustainable Palm Oil and
Sustainable Soy.
? The Netherlands is also working on identifying the gaps in knowledge in the
monitoring on the indirect effects of biofuels production that can cause
changes in food production and biodiversity. We are ready to share and
discuss the results of this research in the CSD.
? Last but not least, investments in so-called 'second generation' biofuels need
to be stepped up as these biofuels generally have a higher CO2 saving
potential and cause less competition for land. Governments have a role in
providing the enabling environment for these investments, for example by
setting targets and providing subsidies as is the current practice in the EU.
Thank you madam chair.
Deleted: ¶
When making this statement I align myself with the statement made earlier on in this
debate by the EC on behalf of the EU.
? The re-discovery of agriculture as a main driver for economic development and
poverty alleviation is crucial. Facing our challenges in food, feed and fuel
today requires a new approach in agricultural production. The Netherlands
considers agriculture to be key to economic development. We need
investments in agriculture and innovative and sustainable technologies to
make agricultural production patterns sustainable, to stimulate local and
regional markets also for both small and medium size agro-businesses.
? We also need to improve access to international markets for all stakeholders
in both developing and developed countries.
? The Netherlands government is committed to improving sustainable
agricultural development also in developing countries, in particular in Africa.
The role of women and youth in both the production and decision making
processes in the agricultural sector is vital and should be an integral part of the
allocation of resources.
? We will invest an additional 50 (five zero) million Euros for the revitalisation of
agriculture in increasing productivity, agricultural knowledge and training, local
economies, value-adding chain development and ensuring food security in
developing countries.
? Madam chair, specifically with regard to biofuels it is important that we manage
the risks. The Netherlands has been actively involved in the negotiations of the
EU biofuels sustainability criteria and sees this legislation as an important
milestone in ensuring the sustainability of biofuels. Cooperation on a more
global level is also of key importance to the Netherlands. That is why we are
involved in the discussions on sustainability criteria for biofuels in the Global
Bioenergy Partnership and in the Round Tables on Sustainable Palm Oil and
Sustainable Soy.
? The Netherlands is also working on identifying the gaps in knowledge in the
monitoring on the indirect effects of biofuels production that can cause
changes in food production and biodiversity. We are ready to share and
discuss the results of this research in the CSD.
? Last but not least, investments in so-called 'second generation' biofuels need
to be stepped up as these biofuels generally have a higher CO2 saving
potential and cause less competition for land. Governments have a role in
providing the enabling environment for these investments, for example by
setting targets and providing subsidies as is the current practice in the EU.
Thank you madam chair.
Deleted: ¶
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