Press Release
October 11, 2011

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN AGRI KEY TO FOOD SECURITY--ANGARA

As global food crisis persists due to price volatility, Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized that long-term investment in agriculture will help address major threats to the country's food security.

"We shall bring in agriculture and food security into the policy table. Our failure in the past to initiate a long-term and focused effort to boost agricultural productivity through better irrigation and land management could result in more poverty and widespread hunger," Angara warned.

According to the recent report of the United Nations, food prices are likely to become more volatile in the coming years, increasing the risk that more poor people in import-dependent countries will go hungry.

"As a developing country, we must prioritize food security above anything else because the brunt of price hikes affects the poorest and most vulnerable segments of our society," explained Angara, a former Agriculture Secretary.

Meanwhile in a joint report, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development said that food price volatility is likely to continue and possibly increase as demand from consumers continues to grow.

"Increasing agricultural productivity and food security are the most cost-effective means to fight poverty as well as generate jobs and income in the countryside," said Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

He added, "This strategy marks a shift from two decades of preferring food aid over investing in agriculture. Hopefully, such efforts will rub off on Philippine policy makers and decision makers."

News Latest News Feed