43rd Session of the Conference - Special Event: Launch of the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032 - Remarks

43^rd Session of the Conference

Special Event:

Launch of the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032

Remarks

By

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General 

Thursday, 6 July 2023

 

Secretary-General of the OECD,

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

 

It is my pleasure to launch, jointly with my colleagues from the OECD, the 2023 edition of the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook.

 

This is the 19^th edition of the report, which has become a global point of reference with regard to medium term projections for agricultural markets.  

 

The collaboration between FAO and the OECD represents a powerful synergy, harnessing the expertise, knowledge, and information of both organizations, which we share together and publish together, as true service providers for our Members.

 

To guide our Members’ policy decisions by providing reliable analysis and projections based on science based evidence for the next ten years.

 

This year’s edition is very timely. The world continues to face significant challenges, which affect food security, not only in the poorest countries and among vulnerable populations, but globally.

 

The FAO Food Price Index indicates that the price of commodities has gone down, but this is not always reflected at the local level.

 

The Outlook confirms that by continuing business-as-usual we will not realize our commitments in the Agenda 2030, including eliminating hunger and malnutrition.  

 

We must do more and better. Action is needed now.

 

We must transform global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.

 

The uncertainties that our world faces today should not deter us from thinking strategically - and the Agricultural Outlook is an important tool that can help us do so.

 

I always say think long and big, and do concrete!

 

Through forward-looking analysis, the report provides a link between the continuing effects of the pandemic and ongoing conflicts, and the medium-term trends and developments in global commodity markets.

 

In this year’s edition, we are proud to introduce an enhanced fertilizer application model that connects fertilizer use and prices to agricultural productivity and food prices.

 

In addition, for the first time, the Outlook also sheds light on the pressing issue of Food Loss and Waste - this is key especially for OECD, G20 and other regional bodies to look at very closely - which continues to undermine global food security and sustainability.

 

Gathering science-based evidence and harnessing the potential of science and innovation, and technology, including economic modelling capabilities, are key to our efforts to eradicate hunger.

 

We also need to ensure enhanced coordination of policies and institutional frameworks, to provide comprehensive and holistic solutions at all levels.

 

We need to mobilize public, private, and blended financing, and to have targeted investment.

 

It is about transforming the way we eat, we farm, we produce, we process, we finance, and we trade - and this requires the participation of everyone.

 

FAO is committed to support our Members to achieve our collective goal of the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life - leaving no one behind.

 

We understand what needs to be done – and now is the time for action.

 

This important joint OECD-FAO report provides the information and guidance needed to support this process.

 

Thank you.