The Caux Forum for Human Security brought together diplomats, politicians, academics, journalists and people active in many areas of life. There was a growing awareness of the importance of agriculture, with many discussions around the subject. Pooling the evidence of what is already being achieved, and examining what can be done as each of us find the practical things we can do, gives grounds for hope that seemingly insurmountable problems can be overcome.
In this context Farmers' Dialogue had a role to play in the Forum. Agriculture is influenced by all the topics that were discussed. Themes such as ‘Food Security: what are the issues?’, ‘Inclusive economics: policies and practices for a hungry world’, ‘Living sustainably: making “Green Growth” practical’ and ‘Meeting the social impact of environmental change’. As well as taking part in the discussions, Farmers’ Dialogue mounted a display outlining its work, aims and outreach. This display was a focus for many helpful exchanges.
A high point for the Farmers' Dialogue was the presentation by M Bruno Parmentier, Principal of Angers Agricultural College in western France, on ‘Policies and perspectives on world hunger - famine as a threat to peace and security’. His talk drew on his wide knowledge of world agriculture and highlighted many issues that will have to be dealt with over the coming years.
Noting that the world population will continue to rise, and with it the need for increased food production, he said it was obvious agriculture has a critical role to play. The need to do so in an environmentally sustainable manner, he said, will require a new approach. Over the years as the population has steadily increased the number of hungry people has not changed, except to grow in recent years, with over one billion people now experiencing famine. This raises the question of how agriculture can produce more with less land, fewer inputs and less water? Organic farming alone is not enough; because it means a 40% loss of production, while global demand actually requires an increase of 70%. His conclusion is that intensive ecological agriculture is the appropriate solution.
Claude Bourdin Jim Wigan