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Date : 03/12/2003
Source: Department of Agriculture
Title: Didiza: FAO Conference


STATEMENT BY THOKO DIDIZA, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS AT THE 32ND SESSION OF THE FAO CONFERENCE, ROME, 3 December 2003

Chairperson,
The World Food Summit (WFS) in 1996 set a goal to reduce the number of hungry people in the world by half by 2015. Four years later that goal was encapsulated in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which sought to reduce by half both the number of people who suffer from hunger and the number people who live on less that US$ 1 per day. However, as shown by FAO earlier, trends and projections reveal the danger of missing our set targets if measures are not urgently taken to address the problems of especially countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of poor and hungry people is actually increasing.

In South Africa, Government has deliberately set out to create a democratic society that is based on equity, non-racialism and non-sexism in order to create a conducive environment to address poverty and inequality and to restore the dignity of all our citizens. We are building to this end, a strong and lasting partnership between government, industry and civil society that is founded on a shared vision that seeks to provide our people access to safe and healthy food; guarantee them equitable access and participation in the economy; promote economic growth, employment and competitiveness of the food and agriculture sector; ensure sustainable agricultural resource management; facilitate information and knowledge management; and promote good agricultural governance.

Chairperson,

I have listened with interest to the discussions that Conference grapples with, around the programme of work of FAO and the budget. It is normal that in every budget cycle we revisit the nature of projecting the future. Many have put forward interesting views on budget options including the split assessments. Obviously this will be informed by the realities of our contributions as members as well as the expenditure of the organization. In considering the recommendations put before, let us bear in mind the important development work of this organisation against real global currency dynamics that are forcing all of us to re-examine our national budgets to maximize benefits to our respective countries.

As creators of this organisation, it is necessary for us to protect its work programme in order to ensure that we do not weaken its focus and mandate. In doing so we also need to assess the international environment, note shifts and trends and make projections that lead to fiscal governance and efficiency. FAO cannot remain static in the face of these global changes whilst many other international organizations implement necessary adjustments in their financial planning. It is thus important that whilst we consider our national interests and challenges of increased domestic demand on our national budget, we need to approach these issues with an open mind. Let us not delay and take decisive action.

Chairperson,

Whilst I address the programme of work of FAO, it is hard not to notice the high profile that trade-in-agriculture issues are receiving here. This is understandable because agriculture has been the crux issue in trade negotiations in the build up to Doha and on the road to Cancun. These are the important linkages between the work of this organisation and the WTO. The need to reform the global rules-based trading system and level the playing fields cannot be understated in addressing very real development challenges we face in our countries around food insecurity and restricted market access for agricultural products. Poverty levels in our countries still persist at unacceptable levels. For many countries agriculture is a major driver for economic growth.

FAO has played an important developmental role in addressing food security, including through the Special Programme for Food Security and programmes aimed at sustainable management of natural resources and increasing production. It is a reality that our natural resources are being depleted. Fishing remains an important source of food in the world, and in particular in Sub-Saharan Africa. Discussions in the last two sessions of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI), as well as the WSSD called for increased global efforts in reversing adverse trends in world fisheries and their negative impact on livelihoods and food security. South Africa supports continued coordinated global action including this important work of FAO.

Negotiations in Cancun did not result in an agreement on modalities. We believe that it is necessary to garner all efforts on all fronts at building a consensus to continue the trade negotiations. This is the view of African countries that gathered earlier in Egypt and just recently in Ghana.

Whilst we engage with the challenges that face us on the road from Cancun, let us remember the important development mandate this organisation is entrusted with which is still needed by millions that we represent in this room. Given that we recognize the linkages between our deliberations here and within the WTO, we are presented with a challenge as agriculture ministers to engage more creatively, positively and substantively to get trade negotiations underway.

Chairperson,

As I am on the subject of the road ahead forward from Cancun - and Chairperson, I use the word "forward" purposefully as I hope that this will be the only direction we take. It is important to reiterate the spirit with which we engage. South Africa as part of the Africa Group and the G20 is committed to finding a real consensus in the trade talks. We are bound, in spite of our diverse interests, by a single vision and common desire for an equitable rules based world trading system which assists us in increasing access to markets, allows us to compete fairly and as a result address poverty and underdevelopment so prevalent in our countries. A system that creates winners on a path to sustained economic growth rather than widens the economic disparities!

Chairperson,

African countries have put forward a proactive agenda aimed at socio- economic growth and the regeneration on our continent in NEPAD. The Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) through its 5 pillars maps out the agriculture sector plan to contribute to the vision of NEPAD. The work of FAO in supporting this African-led programme is appreciated and must continue. The agreement between FAO and NEPAD provides the institutional framework for this cooperation to take place. FAO, together with the global African development partners is key in implementing the CAADP.

We call for your continued support and engagement with CAADP in addressing the challenges of sustainable natural resource management, increasing our food security, strengthening our capacity to address disasters which impact on agriculture, increasing market access and strengthening agricultural research in Africa. Many of you in this room have pledged support for the vision of NEPAD - let that support be expressed on all fronts.

I thank you!

Source: Department of Agriculture (http://nda.agric.za)

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