FARMERS GROUP STATEMENT

by

The International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP)

CLOSING SESSION

UN CSD 15

Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting

New York, 26 February- 2 March 2007

  

Madam Chair,

 

The Farmers’ Group finds the revised draft of the negotiating document very disappointing, eventhough we appreciate reference made to the 9 major groups’ involvement in decision making processes. Nowhere does the document mention the contribution of the farming sector to Energy for sustainable development, and nowhere does it mention the role of farmers in mitigating or adapting to Climate Change. And yet, farmers are important stakeholders. We hope that this will be corrected in future drafts.

 

On Energy for Sustainable Development, the Farmers’ Group stresses the importance for farmers to become partners in the whole value chain, so that some of the benefits of bio-energy contribute to reducing rural poverty, especially for women farmers.

 

On Climate Change, the Farmers’ Group stresses the importance of policy reforms to mainstream agriculture into climate change agendas. For example, the creation of carbon credits for farmers, or support for farmer-driven initiatives to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects.

 

Finally, Madam Chair, a general comment on access to financial resources through existing mechanisms. For farmers, it is important to make these instruments accessible directly to civil society organisations which demonstrate a strong will to overcome obstacles and constraints related to these cluster themes.

 

Thank you.