4 March 2009 |
Outlook 2009 – DAY 2 |
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| No fast food solutions for global food security |
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| Recent high food prices have had a considerable effect on global food security, delegates at the ABARE Outlook conference were told today. ABARE’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr Terry Sheales, told the conference that in the longer term, agricultural commodity prices were likely to remain high given the demand and supply conditions. Dr Sheales also stressed that investment in research and development was essential in lifting Australia’s agricultural productivity. “The challenge for Australia and globally is to adapt to climatic conditions,” Dr Sheales said. Director of Trade and Agriculture at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Ken Ash, told the conference long term factors, including higher oil prices, a lower US dollar, higher demand for fuel and food, and biofuel support policies in developed countries had led to an increase in consumption of agricultural commodities. Mr Ash said improving the purchasing power of the poor in developing countries was vital in addressing food security. “In terms of global food security, it’s about income and not just about higher prices,” Mr Ash said. The Deputy-Chief of CSIRO Plant Industry, Dr TJ Higgins, told the conference the challenge for agriculture was to increase yields and the quality of products, protect the environment, produce affordable food, produce renewable energy and address the needs of the poor. Dr Higgins emphasised the importance of biotechnology in food security. “Biotechnology has the potential to secure yields worldwide, improve disease and pest management, improve nutrition, and enhance product quality and nutritional content,” Dr Higgins said. |
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Session – Food security and trade For media interviews and comment, please contact ABARE’s agricultural economic analysis section manager, Ben Buetre, on 02 6272 2404, mobile 0407 944 001. For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260, mobile 0417 689 567 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au |
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