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Updated: 7 November 2013
April 2012 Page 1
In this issue:
Comment:
Managing a Sustainable Food Supply – Our
Collective Challenge
Agriculture is the base of our food supply. No agriculture
equals no food! Ensuring food for all wherever they are in
the world, is a holistic exercise. There is a tendency to think
that advances in for example, agricultural science or plant
breeding, will solve the global food problems. Things are
much more complicated than that.
Getting food to the population is a complicated operation.
Farmers are required to obtain credit, plant and tend crops,
while others may harvest, ship and sell. Where food is not
consumed locally, the process is even more complicated and
transport, storage or refrigeration may be required. If exports
markets are envisioned there are regulatory hurdles to be
overcome. Many skills and much experience is needed if all
is to be a successful operation whereby harvests become
food. The process requires many, many, things. Technical
know-how and knowledge of soil conditions and fertility,
financial expertise, access to weather and meteorological
data, understanding of markets and marketing, familiarity with
transport and logistics, regulatory science and many other
things, all to a greater or lesser degree depending on
individual circumstances. But most of all, it is long experience,
training and wisdom which counts - something which is sadly
lacking in many poorer communities around the world. In
richer countries, we would call it “management.
Experienced middle managers are what make the world and
agriculture turn. Local experience in an international
environment counts for everything. Far better to train
someone local in agriculture and marketing techniques with a
indigenous knowledge of local cultures and habits who can
rapidly introduce new ideas and technology. Having
someone come in for a few weeks, do their bit and leave is no
panacea as there is little leave-behind.
So as we attend meetings and conferences, let us look to
solving the world food security issues, let’s also look to making
sure training and support for local managers is instituted and
promoted.
Ken Baker, Chairman World Agricultural Forum
- Dr Kenneth M. Baker appointed Chairman
of the WAF Board - The 2011 Congress – a Retrospect &
Conclusions - Board News & Events
- WAF Involvement in Upcoming Events
- Spreading the Good Word – Lynn Henderson
- The Last Word – Jim Bolger
Comment:
Managing a Sustainable Food Supply – Our
Collective Challenge
Agriculture is the base of our food supply. No agriculture
equals no food! Ensuring food for all wherever they are in
the world, is a holistic exercise. There is a tendency to think
that advances in for example, agricultural science or plant
breeding, will solve the global food problems. Things are
much more complicated than that.
Getting food to the population is a complicated operation.
Farmers are required to obtain credit, plant and tend crops,
while others may harvest, ship and sell. Where food is not
consumed locally, the process is even more complicated and
transport, storage or refrigeration may be required. If exports
markets are envisioned there are regulatory hurdles to be
overcome. Many skills and much experience is needed if all
is to be a successful operation whereby harvests become
food. The process requires many, many, things. Technical
know-how and knowledge of soil conditions and fertility,
financial expertise, access to weather and meteorological
data, understanding of markets and marketing, familiarity with
transport and logistics, regulatory science and many other
things, all to a greater or lesser degree depending on
individual circumstances. But most of all, it is long experience,
training and wisdom which counts - something which is sadly
lacking in many poorer communities around the world. In
richer countries, we would call it “management.
Experienced middle managers are what make the world and
agriculture turn. Local experience in an international
environment counts for everything. Far better to train
someone local in agriculture and marketing techniques with a
indigenous knowledge of local cultures and habits who can
rapidly introduce new ideas and technology. Having
someone come in for a few weeks, do their bit and leave is no
panacea as there is little leave-behind.
So as we attend meetings and conferences, let us look to
solving the world food security issues, let’s also look to making
sure training and support for local managers is instituted and
promoted.
Ken Baker, Chairman World Agricultural Forum
| WAF 2013 Congress to be held in Hyderabad India At the 2011 Congress, His Excellency Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, invited the World Agricultural Forum to hold the 2013 Congress in Hyderabad. Taking place in early November, Hyderabad will provide an opportunity to examine the global needs which must be provided by agriculture in a new, challenging and different environment. An “Agri-Tech Trade Fair” will be take place concurrently with the Congress. Discussions will take place in Hyderabad in late April between Ken Baker and Evie Soames of the WAF with State Government Officials including Mr. V. Nagi Reddy, Principal Secretary of the State of Andhra Pradesh. Advisory Board Member, Professor Aldas Janaiah will also be present and has been encouraging the WAF to fold the event there for some time. A visit will also be made to ICRISAT, the CGIAR affiliated research centre based near Hyderabad. Approaches have been made to other corporate bodies and institutions in Europe and their Indian subsidiaries to start to generate interest and support for the Congress. The Congress will attract many Indian Government and Corporate interests. Approaches can already start to be made to other groups who may have an interest in supporting the Congress. A preliminary announcement is attached to this newsletter and which can be distributed for this purpose. click for details |
Dr Kenneth M. Baker appointed Chairman of the WAF Board
At its December meeting, the Board
Baker as Chairman of the WAF
Board. The Rt. Honorable James B.
Bolger will remain as Chairman of the
Advisory Board.
The individuals who have helped
lead the World Agricultural Forum the
past 14 years with strength and
purpose have created a unique and
powerful venue for the development
and discussion of possibilities and
these changes will continue to
strengthen the World Agricultural
Forum.
Never before has the need for the
WAF been greater.
Baker as Chairman of the WAF
Board. The Rt. Honorable James B.
Bolger will remain as Chairman of the
Advisory Board.
The individuals who have helped
lead the World Agricultural Forum the
past 14 years with strength and
purpose have created a unique and
powerful venue for the development
and discussion of possibilities and
these changes will continue to
strengthen the World Agricultural
Forum.
Never before has the need for the
WAF been greater.
| The Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, Chairman of the WAF Advisory Board (right) congratulates Dr Ken Baker (left) on his appointment as Chairman |
One has only to look at the Middle East over the past year to realize how inadequate food
and water policies can destabilize governments. The need to come together and identify the
potential and existing problems in providing food, fuel, fiber and water and create innovative
Nor is the US immune from crop reductions influenced by weather, labor and production
problems. From row crops (corn and soybeans) to meat and milk production, there have been
significant regional problems. Carry-over stocks are among the lowest in history.
The WAF World Congress in November 2013 in India will address many of these concerns so
that policy makers can begin to deal with them in a coordinated and orderly manner.
Dr. Leonard Guarraia, Chairman Emeritus
and water policies can destabilize governments. The need to come together and identify the
potential and existing problems in providing food, fuel, fiber and water and create innovative
Nor is the US immune from crop reductions influenced by weather, labor and production
problems. From row crops (corn and soybeans) to meat and milk production, there have been
significant regional problems. Carry-over stocks are among the lowest in history.
The WAF World Congress in November 2013 in India will address many of these concerns so
that policy makers can begin to deal with them in a coordinated and orderly manner.
Dr. Leonard Guarraia, Chairman Emeritus
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