Global Food Security Crisis James Butler Deputy Director General Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

1. Global Food Security Crisis James Butler Deputy Director General Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

2. soaring food prices rising cost of inputs like fertilizer global import bill at highest level in history rising number of hungry people (50 million increase in 2007) only a few farmers benefit from high food prices, poor farmers risk being knocked out of production The challenge

3. coordinated system approach addressing threats and opportunities arising from the crisis focus: immediate response produced Comprehensive Framework for Action, with major FAO contributions chair: UN Secretary-General deputy chair: FAO Director-General UN / Bretton Woods response

4. OBJECTIVES immediately boost smallholder productivity increase food availability contribute to longer-term food security by addressing underlying drivers of the crisis FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices

5. FEATURES coordinated partnership country-driven immediate and catalytic diversified integrated into existing programmes targets smallholders tests best approaches FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices

6. estimated global need through 2009: US$ 1.7 billion FAO financing to date: US$ 52 million for immediate interventions in 78 countries sources: TCP, UN-CERF, donor country FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices FINANCING

7. inter-agency assessment missions country action plans: FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices MAIN ACTION ELEMENTS • input supply • small-scale irrigation • linking farmers with markets • reducing crop losses • supportive policies

8. ISFP secretariat established at FAO 19 joint assessment missions input supply in collaboration with governments updating of country action plans FAO Initiative on Soaring Food Prices ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

9. Improve agricultural productivity: $2.9bn p.a. new technologies, improved seeds, etc. small scale on farm works and equipment Develop, conserve natural resources: $9.5bn p.a. improved land, water and genetic resources combine improved resources with appropriate technologies, financial capital, etc. Expand infrastructure, market access, food safety, plant and animal health: $10bn p.a. rural roads and market infrastructure policy assistance and capacity building LONGER-TERM MEASURES: ANTI-HUNGER PROGRAMME

10. Strengthen capacity for knowledge generation and dissemination: $1.43 bn p.a. strengthen links with farmers, researchers, extension workers strengthen CGIAR system Ensure access to food for most needy via safety nets, other direct assistance: $6.6bn p.a. LONGER-TERM MEASURES (cont.)

11. Closer links: food- energy markets food to remain expensive as long as energy remains expensive. Unprecedented challenge feed more people, better, at higher food prices, with more expensive inputs and fewer resources under climate change. Unprecedented opportunity high prices can make agriculture much more profitable and turn it into a key weapon in the fight against hunger. Benefits are not automatic need to create the enabling environment (ISFP / AHP but also WTO) to reap the benefits of higher prices. Summary and Outlook

12. Thank you. Questions?