36th World Farmers' Congress 2004

World Farmers’ Congress Adopts Global Agriculture Policies

Washington, D.C., 4 June 2004 – More than 400 farmers from 70 countries reached consensus on several global issues including trade, industrial concentration, environment, poverty and hunger during the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) 36th World Farmers’ Congress in Washington, D.C., this week. IFAP will take these collective priorities to world leaders to affect world agricultural policies.

“Profitability is the universal issue central to all discussions during the World Farmers’ Congress,” said IFAP President Jack Wilkinson of Canada. When it comes to trade, IFAP is comprised of some countries that are more protective of their domestic markets and others that are “free-traders”. Wilkinson said, “We all agree that trade deals must enhance farm income and that returns from trade should reach down to farm families. And, the only fair way to deal with both the weak and powerful is through multilateral trade agreements. We need a set of international rules.”

Dave Frederickson, president of National Farmers Union and host of this year’s Congress, said industrial concentration is one of the most pressing issues that impacts farmers’ profitability around the globe. “Independent agricultural producers cannot succeed without protection from unfair, anti-competitive practices,” he said. “This is evidenced by the sharp decline in the number of family farmers in the past decade and the increasing trend toward horizontal and vertical concentration in the agricultural and food sectors.” The IFAP farmers adopted resolutions to further enforce antitrust and competition laws, strengthen regulatory systems, increase protection of consumers and revitalize independently owned businesses and competitive markets.

The farmers also unanimously adopted policies on agricultural access and management of freshwater resources. "Without water, there is no agriculture and, therefore, no food security,” said IFAP Vice President Esa Harmala of Finland. “Farmers need to secure water supply rights taking into account local socio-economic, cultural and hydrological contexts.” Participation of farmers on water issues and in the United Nations environmental conventions on biodiversity, climate change and desertification is crucial for farmers worldwide, as well as the recognition of links between environment and sustainable development.

Wilkinson said agriculture must be given increased priority in order to eliminate rural poverty. Therefore, the World Farmers’ Congress drew up a statement on eliminating rural poverty and achieving food security. “Agriculture is the key to sustainable development for most developing countries. It must become a priority for national governments, for donor assistance and for international institutions,” stated IFAP farmers in its declaration.

“The goal of the IFAP World Farmers’ Congress is to bring farmers from across the globe together to find commonalities,” Wilkinson said. “It is IFAP’s role to make room for the farmers’ voice on the international level.”