Build agricultural co-operatives to end global hunger

Today in Rome the The Committee on Food Security, an inter-governmental body of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has called on UN member states, international organisations and other stakeholders to foster co-operatives and farmer organisations. 

“The events in Rome this week underline the growing commitment around the world to agricultural co-operatives as a means to reduce the number of hungry in the world,” said Charles Gould, Director-General of the International Co-operative Alliance. According to FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva speaking to the Committee on Food Security delegates on October 16, World Food Day, smallholder farmers are vital to providing needed food and “co-operatives are key” in achieving this goal.  This year’s World Food Day focused on Agricultural Co-operatives.

Children who fail to receive appropriate nutrients in their first 1000 days are likely to face lifetime hardship including stunting, lower employment, mental acuity problems and potentially life threatening diseases later in life such as diabetes and heart disease. This 1000 day window of opportunity once gone cannot be recaptured even if efforts are redoubled later on.  Hence food security is of critical importance to every country.

ICA’s Director of Policy, Betsy Dribben and Gwangseog Hong, ICA’s Agricultural Advisor, played an active part in the proceedings by promoting the value of co-ops during these important negotiations.

Read the whole statement here.