WF(11)2632:3
DECLARATION OF THE WORLD FARMERS’ ORGANISATION
FOUNDING MEETING
“THE NEED FOR FARMERS’ VOICE ON WORLD STAGE”
Brussels, 29 March 2011
Farming organisations from all over the world came together on March 29 to highlight the need
for the farmers’ voice to be heard on the world stage and to formally create the World
Farmers’Organisation . This is crucial in order to contribute to the on-going discussions
concerning food security, climate change and the economic situation across the globe.
The Organisation’s mission is to bring together national producer organisations and producer
cooperative organisations to create policies and advocate on world farmers behalf, in order to
improve the economic situation and livelihood of producers, their families and rural
communities.
One of the main objectives of the organisation is to improve farmers’ livelihoods and the
economic viability of rural communities around the world. This is vital given that farming
incomes are often 50% or less than average incomes. The second main objective is to contribute
to world food security by facilitating cooperation between member organisations. It is crucial
given that world food demand is expected to increase by at least 70% by 2050 and market
volatility is on the increase. Agricultural investment needs to be stepped up.
Other objectives of the organisation include facilitating the organisation of agricultural
producers and enabling them to improve their positioning within the food supply chain. This
will help farmers and agri-cooperatives to manage the extreme price volatility and get a better
return from the market.
They also include ensuring coherence with other agriculture related activities, such as forestry,
aquaculture, environment, trade, research and education. Finally, the Organisation aims to
encourage farmers’ involvement in sustainable rural development, the environment and new
arising challenges, such as climate change and the renewal of generations.
The next steps for the World Farmers’ Organisation include a General Assembly later this year
where progress will be made on the main issues identified by the Organisation. The
headquarters for the Organisation will be established in Rome.
29/03/11
Press Release
IN THE FACE OF FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS, WORLD FARMERS UNITE TO
CREATE AN ORGANISATION AND ISSUE DECLARATION
In the wake of global food security concerns, over 50 national farmers’ and agricultural
cooperative organisations from all over the world met today to create the World Farmers
Organisation and issue a declaration setting out its objectives. The Organisation represents the
united voice of world farmers and cooperatives.
Chairing the meeting on behalf of the African delegation, Mr Taylor – Freeme said “Today marks
an historic occasion. In view of increasing concerns over market volatility and food security, this
Organisation will bring together farmers and cooperatives from all over the world to exchange
ideas and find common solutions. The Organisation aims to help world food security by
facilitating cooperation between organisations. This is particularly crucial given that world food
demand is expected to increase by at least 70% by 2050. Agricultural investment needs to be
stepped up”.
European Board Representative Martin Haworth said: “The Organisation also aims to improve
farmers’ livelihoods and the viability of rural communities around the world. Without farmers
living and working in rural areas, many people would leave these regions. And yet farmers face
more and more challenges, such as climate change, and are being confronted with high input
costs. Their return from the market is also shrinking given the huge buying power of
supermarkets. We need to improve farmers economic viability and positioning in the food chain
in order to ensure a dynamic, competitive agriculture sector throughout the world.”
Another aim of the Organisation is to ensure coherence with other agriculture related activities,
such as forestry, aquaculture ,the environment, trade, research and education. There is a
constant need for improved research to find for example how we can increase production at the
same time as protecting the environment. The Organisation will meet again later this year to
further develop these issues.
For further information, please contact:
Pekka Pesonen
Secretary-General
Tél.: +32 2 287 27 27
Amanda Cheesley
Press Officer
Mobile: + 32 474 840 836
CDP(11)2638:3