Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'World Food Summit in Rome, 13-17 November 1996` (96/C 295/16)

On 9 July 1996, the Economic and Social Committee, acting under Rule 23(3) of its Rules of Procedure, decided to draw up an Opinion on the World Food Summit in Rome, 13-17 November 1996.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Kallio as Rapporteur-General for its Opinion.

At its 337th Plenary Session (meeting of 11 July 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion with 95 votes in favour, no dissenting votes and seven abstentions.

Availability of food is the key issue for the future of mankind. Conditions for the production of food vary greatly in different parts of the world. The least developed countries, in particular, have experienced continuing problems in organizing food production on a sustainable basis.

On the other hand, overproduction in the industrialized countries has given a distorted picture of the global food situation. Export subsidies have enabled countries with high production costs to operate on international markets. Up to now, food security has not received enough attention. Agricultural policy has focused on short-term solutions which do not take adequate account of the need for long-term planning of food supplies or global food policy. The countries in the most difficult situation have had to rely on food aid.

With the rapid dwindling of world food stocks, global food security and its implications for the future of our planet and mankind has become a leading international political issue. The uncontrollability of population growth, together with global environmental problems, has raised the fundamental question of how mankind can be fed in the longer term. The Economic and Social Committee considers it very important that issues related to food security will be discussed by heads of government at the World Food Summit to be held in Rome on 13-17 November 1996.

In the run-up to the Summit, the Economic and Social Committee wishes to draw attention to the following points:

1. The international community should see to it that the necessary conditions exist for maintaining global food production resources, taking due account of the suitability of different areas for different types of farming.

2. The world's arable farming resources should be managed in such a way that they retain their productive capacity, taking into account, inter alia, erosion, air and water quality and controlled land use.

3. There should be recognition in agricultural policy of the right of each country to a sufficient level of food security.

4. Adequate account should be taken of environmental considerations in formulating agricultural policy, both at national and international level.

5. Agricultural policy should also bear social responsibility for ensuring availability of food under all circumstances.

6. Agricultural production should take place throughout the world in accordance with the principles of sustainable development while at the same time exploiting the new opportunities offered by genetic engineering and biotechnology.

7. The setting-up and development of family farms should be encouraged, as this is the type of farm best calculated to ensure stable production, to conserve the land and the environment, and to safeguard regional population balance and stem the flight from the land.

8. There is need for a distinct improvement in the coordination of international agreements and organizations which regulate food production.

9. There should be recognition in international contractual arrangements of regional differences in agricultural production and differences due to the diversity of natural conditions.

10. Reliable international criteria and a reliable international monitoring system should be established so as to ensure that safe, wholesome food is produced.

11. It must be possible to maintain the vitality of the countryside all over the world through the pursuit of active rural policy and consequently the restructuring of rural areas.

12. All means should be used to support the motivation of farmers and other parties involved in the food chain, and the organizations representing them should have adequate opportunity to participate in decision-making concerning food security, including the Rome Summit.

Done at Brussels, 11 July 1996.

The President of the Economic and Social Committee Carlos FERRER