Clinton: 7 Principles for Sustainable Agricultural Systems Worldwide

Chronic hunger and food security is at the top of the Obama administration agenda. Speaking at the 2009 World Food Prize Announcement Ceremony in Washington, DC, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said: "The effects of chronic hunger cannot be overstated. Hunger is not only a physical condition, it is a drain on economic development, a threat to global security, a barrier to health and education, and a trap for the millions of people worldwide who work from sunup to sundown every single day but can barely produce enough food to sustain their lives and the lives of their families."

Clinton enumerated seven principles for sustainable agricultural systems in rural areas worldwide. These include the need to:

• Increase agricultural productivity by expanding access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation tools.
• Stimulate the private sector by improving the storage and processing of foods and improving rural roads and transportation.
• Maintain natural resources so that land can be farmed by future generations. 
• Expand knowledge and training by supporting R&D and cultivating the next generation of plant scientists.
• Increase trade so small-scale farmers can sell their crops. 
• Support policy reform and good governance.
• Support women and families.