Rome, Italy
July 8, 2009

If the leaders of the G8 really do intend to increase spending on agricultural development now, in order to prevent the need for emergency food aid in future, they need to do more than simply increase support.

"Just returning spending on research and development to where it was a couple of decades ago is not going to do the job if the thinking behind the research also returns to where it was 20 years ago," warned Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International.

Bioversity repeatedly told the preparatory meetings for the G8 that while emergency aid is important, it does not increase food security in the future. "Only improved agriculture can do that," said Frison.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made similar points in the run up to the G8 meeting this week.
"Changes in spending have to be matched by changes in attitude," Frison commented.

Bioversity International believes that simple intensification of production will not be enough, especially in Africa, with its much greater diversity of staple crops, landscapes, soil types, cultures and weather patterns. Agricultural biodiversity has a significant and under-appreciated role to play in delivering more resilient harvests, adaptability to climate change, better nutrition and health, environmental protection and economic development.

"We can offer concrete examples of how the leaders of the G8 can take positive steps to turn their statement on global food security into reality," said Frison.

Initial reports indicated that donors planned to "triple spending" on agricultural development. That suggests something like $1.5 billion directly on international R&D. At least $150 million a year should go to research that would enable farmers -- especially the poorest farmers in Africa -- to make full use of their agricultural biodiversity.

"Anything less will condemn the leaders of the G8 to spending more in future on emergency food aid," Frison noted, "and that is exactly what they say they do not want to do."

"The statement on global food security is a welcome step in the right direction, but with the eyes of the world on them, the leaders of the G8 must ensure that their fine words are translated into effective action," Frison concluded.

Bioversity International, with its Headquarters in Rome, Italy, has worked for more than 35 years to support the improved use and conservation of agricultural diversity. Through international research, in collaboration with partners throughout the world, Bioversity strives to build the knowledge base needed to ensure effective use of diversity to increase sustainable agricultural production, improve livelihoods and meet the challenge of climate change.

Website: http://www.bioversityinternational.org

Published: July 8, 2009