As the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) represents farmers from
the UK and across the world at the Prime Minister’s Global Food
Summit today, the Presidents of the WFO and NFU have issued a
joint statement highlighting the importance of investing in the
agricultural sectors for increasing national and global food
security.
WFO President Arnold Puech d’Alissac and NFU President Minette
Batters said: “The Global Food Summit is a welcome initiative by
the UK Government and comes at a critical time for farmers and
growers across the world.
“The enormity of feeding a growing global population while also
finding solutions to the climate crisis cannot be underestimated.
At the same time, extreme weather events, rising geopolitical
tensions, policy changes and increasing costs are all leaving
food businesses in a vulnerable position.
“The good news is that no matter where we are in the world, the
solution is often the same – for governments to take a meaningful
interest in food production by ensuring markets treat farmers
fairly and deliver policies that boost sustainable, profitable
production. Only then can farm businesses invest in the future
and produce more high quality, climate-friendly food for markets
at home and abroad.
“With the right policies in place and knowledge and techniques
available, we remain positive that food security can be realised
in all countries. This will require international solidarity and
a joint effort from lawmakers across the world to ensure fair
supply chains, invest in infrastructure, and integrate climate
adaptation and mitigation policies within agricultural sectors.
“These are our building blocks and they must start at a local,
regional and national level if we are to stand any chance of
achieving food security worldwide. That is what conversations at
the Summit must centre around today, because we can no longer
afford to take food for granted.”
-ends-
Notes to editor:
- The Global Food Summit is taking place today (Monday 20
November 2023) at Lancaster House.
