Daniel Servitje to speak to the G20 about the Challenges to attain Food Security
Daniel Servitje, Director General of Grupo Bimbo and Co-Chair of the B20 Working Group on Food Security, will present to G20 leaders and various international agencies invited to this meeting in our country, a set of proposals to address the priorities in the G20’s food security agenda.
Mr. Servitje pointed out that food security is one of the most important challenges that governments in every region of the world will be facing in the forthcoming years, considering that agricultural productivity must grow 50% by 2030 to address the needs resulting from a larger population, with greater incomes, dwindling resources and the effects of climate change. In other words, the challenge is to increase production without increasing the amount of land and water used for that purpose.
The B20 Working Group on Food Security links food security, environmental sustainability and business opportunities closely together, and places growers at the heart of efforts to increase agricultural productivity.
Daniel Servitje underscored the relevant role of the private sector to insure accomplishments in worldwide food security. He continued by mentioning the 9 courses of action determined by the working group and the commitments these actions will require from governments and businesses.
The working group considers that greater productivity must guarantee nutrition and food security for all in an environmentally sustainable way, as it promotes economic growth and improves the income and life quality of farmers.
Mr. Servitje, who heads the global leader in the bakery industry, stated that according to the recommendations prepared by the working group, the most important challenges for the public sector include: “providing incentives to make efficient use of resources and innovation through sustainable farming practices, making new technologies available to growers and making water consumption efficient, developing a legal framework to promote greater access to credits for small farmers, and coordinating efforts to adopt an integral approach to agriculture, nutrition and health.”
Furthermore, Mr. Servitje indicated that the private sector made several commitments, and highlighted the following: “ additional investments in agriculture amounting to 10-15 billion dollars, which are expected to expand market access to 3-5 million small farmers and improve the incomes of 2-3 million women who are active in that sector.”
Daniel Servitje reminded everyone that all of these courses of action and recommendations that will be submitted to the G20 are intended to promote private sector participation and generate greater coordination among the players involved, so as to accelerate the implementation of national nutrition and food security programs.
