1 March 2010

2 minute read

Europe

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who chaired one of this morning's ministerial working groups, was reflecting outcomes from the second day of discussions at the OECD in Paris with fellow Ministers responsible for agriculture and food from up to forty countries worldwide.

Minister Smith said that the two day meeting "not only highlighted challenges facing the sector but also the significant opportunities that exist globally to deal with the twin challenges of food security and climate change". He acknowledged that "it was a valuable opportunity to meet with counterparts from a wide range of countries varying in size, culture and geography which allowed us to discuss policy options for agriculture and food over the next ten years".

In terms of policy responses Minister Smith highlighted the importance of appropriate risk management measures. He also highlighted the importance of farm income stability and the need to deal with price volatility.

"Viable returns to farmers is the key to future of world food production" he said.

He called for further research by the OECD into price transparency to ensure an equitable share along the food supply chain. He was particularly happy that his views in this regard were recognised as key areas that the OECD would focus on in its future work.

The Minister thanked the OECD for convening the meeting at this high level and at such an important time for agriculture and the world at large. He urged the OECD "to continue with their important work" and stressed that "the OECD has a key role in developing a better understanding of the nature and scope of the challenges facing agriculture and in helping to develop appropriate policy responses to these challenges".

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