Copenhagen Address

Address to the

Climate Change Conference

Copenhagen, Denmark

13 December 2009

By

David Crombie

President

National Farmers’ Federation

Delivered on behalf of the

International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP)

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

My name is David Crombie. I am the President of Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation, a member of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers(IFAP). IFAP is the world farmers’ organization, representing 115 national organizations of family farmers in 82 countries.

The world’s farmers stand ready to act on climate change.

National issues and emissions targets have dominated the discussions thus far, however, the main game for farmers is ensuring there is a strong focus on the positive role agriculture can play.

This includes the establishment of a SBSTA Work Program for agriculture and getting the accounting rules right.

So what needs to be done?

Firstly, the Kyoto rules give an inaccurate picture of agriculture’s contribution to global warming.

The current rules treat agricultural emissions like a power station. They take no account of the natural agricultural carbon cycle.

Secondly, Article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol makes it difficult for farm bio-sequestration to be acknowledged and rewarded.

Under this article, there are liabilities for natural processes such as droughts and bushfires – processes beyond farmers control.

This goes against the core principles of the Kyoto Protocol. That is, to bring about a reduction in human induced climate change.

Thirdly, while the rules remain, the only real option for farmers to reduce their carbon footprint is to reduce food production – a perverse outcome as the global population moves towards 9 billion.

Finally, we need to shift the focus from crisis management to risk management.

This will require investment in farming supply chains through increased research and development, improved transport, storage and distribution infrastructure and extension services.

These COP 15 discussions must take all of these elements into account through establishing a work program for agriculture that ensures that the important role of the world’s farmers is recognised.

IFAP calls on all countries to put aside their differences and come together during the next week in fixing the rules and empowering the world’s farmers to be part of the solution.

Thank you.

[ENDS]

NFF Speeches – Copenhagen Address- 1 -