Biotech Updates

FAO Seeks More Support from G20 to Family Farmers to Meet Food Demands

January 25, 2017

Family farmers from developing countries need more access to information and technology which can help them thrive in the midst of climate change and natural resource scarcity, according to José Graziano da Silva, Director-General of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). He mentioned this during the G20 agricultural ministers' meeting held in Berlin, Germany on January 22, 2017.

"Millions of small family farmers need technical and financial assistance to be more resilient and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They must be able to stay on their land, produce their own food and also have access to markets," he stressed.

He also said that the rural areas are the key battleground in accomplishing the 2030 sustainable development agenda because the highest incidences of poverty and hunger are in rural areas. Furthermore, the increases in agricultural yield are needed in such locations because of the population boom. Thus, small family farmers need much support. Initiatives on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are underway to provide farmers with tools to monitor and manage natural resources while promoting sustainable agriculture, and strengthening food security.

Read the FAO news release for more information.