06if-4837 - International farmer dialogue for policy-making and advocacy
Agriculture is back on the international agenda. This is true from a development perspective, as we approach the mid-term review of the Millennium Development Goals, from a market and trade perspective with the WTO negotiations at a critical point, from an environment perspective with climate change and bio-energy as hot topics in the light of record oil prices, and from a health perspective with active discussions on food safety, traceability, diet, and labelling. IFAP must be organised to influence all these key agendas, and others, in its work program for 2007. The World Farmers’ Congress in Seoul identified nine main policy issues for IFAP’s attention for the period 2006-2008. These are: 1. Trade negotiations and agricultural policy reform 2. Strengthening the place of the farmer in the food chain 3. Environment and natural resources 4. Human health, animal health 5. Research 6. Rural poverty, hunger and development issues 7. The 10 principles of the World Farmers’ Charter 8. Recognition of women’s contribution in agriculture 9. Facilitating the entry of young people into agriculture The budget so far only refers to 2007, but does include all contributions including those to be found. The original application (€ 5 million) referred to the complete period 2007-2010, but only referred to funding from DGIS (netherlands). In 2007 an initial contribution of € 750,000 (IFAP) + € 125,000 (missions + admin costs) = € 875,000 from DGIS funds as back donor is foreseen (see budget details row Agriterra). The project will cover the whole period and will require additional pledges from the DGIS through Agriterra.