|
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan
Smith TD, has called for a "joined-up" approach by the international
community to the twin challenges of fighting hunger and dealing
with climate change.
He was speaking at the OECD in Paris during a two-day meeting
with fellow ministers responsible for agriculture and food.
The Minister highlighted what he said was the key issue of
food security - particularly in the context of a global population,
that is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.
"The global agri-food sector will be challenged to provide
safe, nutritious food for this growing population. Ireland,
with its fully integrated export and market orientated industry,
comprising high standards of food safety and quality, has
an important role to play in contributing to the international
security of food supply for consumers beyond this island,"
he said.
Minister Smith also stressed the importance of the European
model of agriculture, which has multi-functionality at its
core. He said "this model encourages a competitive
and consumer-focused agricultural sector, while, at the same
time, providing other services to society such as respect
for animal welfare, regard for the environment and protection
of rural areas."
In this respect the Minister pointed to the importance
of having a strong and well-resourced Common Agricultural
Policy after 2013.
Minister Smith added - "the issue of climate change is one
of the most important challenges facing mankind and the agriculture
sector is faced with the twin challenges of doubling food
production and dealing with climate change at the same time."
He called for continued research on the issue in order to
find new technical solutions - together with collaboration
and the sharing of information between countries in order
to achieve the desired outcomes.
The OECD ministerial meeting - the first since 1998 - was,
according to the Minister - "a useful forum for countries
to discuss different policy options, thereby ensuring a greater
understanding of individual countries viewpoints."
This - he added - "helps to achieve greater coherence and
better decision making in framing and implementing global
agricultural policies."
Minister Smith said that it is particularly timely to have
this meeting now, given the unique set of challenges and opportunities
facing the food and agricultural sectors across the world.
|
