Extraordinary Virtual Meeting of G20 Agriculture Ministers

 

Minister Alghamdi,

Excellencies,

I thank my brother Minister AL FADLEY for inviting FAO to this important meeting.

I believe that three elements are of vital importance today.

First: COVID-19 is not only a major public health concern but also a threat to global food security.

Measures taken to contain the virus should not lead to disruptions of the food supply chains.

Because preserving access to safe food and nutrition is an essential part of the health response.

Second: The crisis opens an opportunity to accelerate food system transformation.

We need to collaborate with every actor in the supply chain, build public-private partnerships and innovation.

New business models are needed.

It is the time, for instance, to speed up e-commerce in agriculture and food system across the globe.

This will make produce and consumption more accessible to improve rural economy with livelihood.

It will empower farmers to establish the direct linkage between producers and consumers.

Third: Beyond the crisis, how can we ensure global food security?

We need to produce more and better.

We need to protect global supply chains and ensure that they remain accessible.

Strengthening local production and shortening existing supply chains is essential.

We need to ensure access to agricultural input, such as fertilizers, insecticides, machinery.

Training and extension services need to be promoted and facilitated. 

Excellencies,

FAO together with WFP and IFAD is assisting its members to transform their food systems through experience, knowledge and innovation.

And we need the support of the G20 Group in our activities and interventions.

Tools such as the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) and the Food and Agriculture Policy Decision Analysis (FAPDA) provide valuable timely information on developments in the world market and help countries in their decision-making.

With your support we could ensure the use of these tools and other digital platforms across the world.

This would reduce uncertainty and support all Countries, especially the most vulnerable.

The pandemic is slowing down economies. We need emergent humanitarian aid for staple food and also early warning，early action and anticipation recovery plan for agriculture food system are important.

With your help we can dedicate all our professional expertise and energy to making sure that this does not lead to more poverty and more hunger.

Thank you.