Food security and globalisation:
so much still to be done!
At its plenary session on 16/17 December 2009 the European Economic and Social Committee is to organise a major debate on the European food security strategy, making a direct link with EU trade policy. A number of eminent external speakers are expected, including FAO Director-General DrJacquesDiouf.
Venue: József Antall building – European Parliament - Room JAN 2Q2, B-1050Brussels
Date: 16/17 December 2009
The EESC wants to narrow the gap between Member States' ambitious declarations on the fight against hunger and on aid and development policies. It has therefore chosen this topical issue to open its next plenary session, against the backdrop of the adoption of an exploratory opinion on trade and food security[1]. The recommendations made by the rapporteur, Mario Campli (Various activities), and the co-rapporteur, Jonathan Peel (Employers), cover financial aid, vocational training for farmers, particularly women, and support for the coops, mutuals and non-profit sector in the ACP countries.
Jacques Diouf, FAODirector-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation will argue in favour of quantifiable commitments at world level, be it on financing or goals to achieve. The baton will then be taken up by Olivier de Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, who will call on civil society organisations to lend their support. Stephen Muchiri, CEO of the East Africa Farmers' Federation, hopes to see a stronger role for small producers in developing countries.
At 10.30 a.m. on Thursday morning, MrLalko Dulevski, President of the Bulgarian Economic and Social Council, will put the spotlight the many achievements of his organisation, whose establishment was both inspired and supported by the EESC.
MrDulevski will sketch out the activities of the European network of national economic and social councils and the EESC. This network is currently working on a joint European strategy on ways to overcome the crisis.
Other subjects on the session agenda will include the impact of the financial crisis on delays in payments and aid to developing countries and various challenges in the area of technological research and sustainable transport.
Please see the following website for details of the plenary session agenda and the draft opinions.
Rue Belliard 99 – 1040 Bruxelles – BELGIQUE
Tél. +32 25469396 – Fax +32 25469764
Courriel: – Internet:
[1]REX/273 CESE 1147/2009.