UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE REPORT OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE ON ITS THIRD SESSION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 67
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2010
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: November 16, 1974
• Content Type: REPORT

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E/CONF, 65/6
WORLD UN FOOD
NCAOTNI OF NE R ES NCE
Rome, 5-16 November 1974
REPORT OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
FOR THE WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE
ON ITS THIRD SESSION
Items 8 and 9 of the Provisional Agenda
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Resumed fifty?seventh session
Agenda item 6 (a)
Chapter
IV
WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE
Report of the PreRaratory Committee
on'Its third sestion
CONTENTS
Paragraph*:
ISSUES .THAT REQUIRE ACTION BY, OR THAT
ARE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF, THE,
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL AND THE
THE WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE
PROGRESS REPORT BY THE SECRETARY?GENERAL
OF TRE CONFERENCE
11
ASSESSMENT OF THE WORLD FOOD SITUATION,
PRESENT AND FUTURE
12
? 26
REPORT ON THE MEETING OF INTERESTED DELEGATIONS
ON SPECIFIC PROPOSALS FOR POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION
BY THE WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE
27
? 35
THE WORLD FOOD PROBLEM: PROPOSALS FOR NATIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION
36
? 97
? Measures for increasing food production
in the developing countries '
42
? 67
12
13
Policy snd programmes for improving nutrition 68 ? 78 21
23
25
26
VI ORGANIZATION OF THE THIRD SESSION 98? 107 29 '
ANNEXES
Action to strengthen world food security
79
? 85
Trade, stability and. adjustment
86
? 90
Arrangements for follow?up action
91
? 97
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34
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ESCAP
FAO
GATT
IBRD
UNICEF
UNCTAD
UNDP
UNEP
UNIDO
WFP
WHO
WMO
Economic and
Food and Agri
General Agree
International
United Nation
United. Nation
United Nation
United Nation
United Nation
World Food Pr
World Health
World Meteoro
ABBTIVIATIONE
facial Commission for Asia and the Pacific
ultUre Organization of the United Nations
eht On Tariffs7a4 Trade
Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Children's Fund
Conference on Trade and Development
Development ,Programme
Environment Programme
Industrial DeVelpment Organization
gramme
rganizat ion
gioal Organization
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I. I33UE2: THAT REQUIRE ACTION BY, OR THAT ARE BROUGHT TO
THE ATTENTION OF, THE ECONOVIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL AND
TET, WORLJ FOOD CONFERENCE
Economic and 3ocial Council
1. In accordance with its decision 24 (LVII), the Economic and
Social Council will consdier the present report of the Preparatory
Comtittee on its third session, together with the report of the
World Food Conference, as soon as the. report of the Conference
becomes available.
World Food Conference
2. This report of the Preparatory Committee on its third session
is submitted to the World Food Conference for consideration along with
the basic documents on items 8 and 9 of the provisional mends, namely
"Assessment of the world food situation, present and future" (E/CONF.65/3)
and "The world food situation: _proposals for national and international
action" (E/CONF. 65/4). Accounts of the Committee's discussion of these
two items are contained in Chapters III and V respectively.
3. Annexed hereto are certain proposals which the Committee decided
to transmit to the Conference for its consideration.
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II. pROGRESS REPORT B THE SERETARY-GOERAL OF THE CONFERENCE
4. In presenting to the Commi tee a report of progress on preparations
for the World PoOd Conference., he 3edretary6-General of the Conference
noted that., since the second session of the Committee, held at Geneva
from 4 to ,a June 1974, the mai:
food problems proposals for nat
E/CONF. 65/4) had been distribu
version of the document entitle
present and futUre" had also be
He felt that the World POCd Con
Committee's views on the Conclu
the recommendations of the.Yeet:
berated on Certain delegations'
session.
5. The world food situation,
be critical. The hopes of reco
in the Year had now faded and t
had clouded the prospects for t
tackle the short-term problems
world food policy for the longe
6. Despite inevitable differe
of consensus had emerged during
elements of a wbrld food policy
a) increasing food product
b) improving consumption
0) establiahinr a better a
7. The 3ecretary-General add
a package approach. Por instanc
logy rested on the application
current fertiliSer shortage was
production targets in a number
added, was the need for investm
developing oountries was steppe
production goal.
8. The Secretary-General stre
ordinated national stock polici
priority. The food crisis of th
of the present rood aid system
9. Whatever new mechanisms we
the Secretary-General said, it
a better integration of the maj
particular urgency, and the wor
development process and to the
Conference docum
onal and interna
ed to member gov
"Assessment of
n oirculated (B/C
erence woad be 1
nt entitled "The world
ional action" (E/CONF.65/P
rnments. A reviSed and uPd
he world food situation,
01410.65/PREP/12, E/CONF,65/
argely guided. by the Prepar
ions and proposals in those documents and
ng of interested delegations which had deli
proposals during the week preceding the thi
EP/13,
ted
tory
he 3ecretary-General reported, continued to
wheat and grain crops which had been held 0 her
e uncertain perf rmance of the monsoon in As'a
is year's rice harvest. However, policies to
f threatened famie and the development of a
run? could not b logically separated.
Oes in national reeds and policies, a patter
that Meeting of interested delegations on th
which rested on three main pillars;
on in developing countries;
d distribution of food; and
stem of world food security.
that all the proposals for action were bas on
, he pointed out that modern agricultural te hno-
f a,combination of complementary inputs. The
therefore threatening the realization of to
f developing countries. Another instance, he
nt capital, and, Unless external assistance
up, it would be difficult to attain the fop
Bed that a consensus on internationally co-
s and an improved food aid policy was of ec 1
past two years clearly pointed to the mad uacY
n the face of large-scale emergencies.
evolved to deal with the world food proble
as essential to achieve closer coordination d
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10. In conclusion, the Secretary-General observed that the institutional frame-
work ultimately adopted by the Conference for the follow-up of that meeting, to
be effective, would have to reflect the world community's political will to
eliminate the scourge of hunger. It would have to be a credible organ for mobi-
lizing the new resources needed and speak, with greater authority to both developed
and developing Countries than any existing mechanisM.
11. At the 39th meeting, the Secretary of the Committee read out a communication
from the Secretary-General of the World Population Conference to the secretary-
General of the World Food Conference, drawing attention to certain resolutions
of the World Population Conference and the portion of the World Population Plan
of Action adopted at that Conference, which have a bearing on the work of the
World Food Conference.
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IIIbASSESSNENT OF TBE WORLD FOOD SITUATION, PRESENT ANP FUTURE
12. The Preparatory Committe
the basis of the information p
the World Food Conference enti
present and future" (E/OONF.65
delegates. The Preparatory Co
introductory statement of the
the Assessment document as a c
of the preliminary version at
provided by the FAO Secret aria
commodities in 1974.
13. The analysis and conclus
general support though some de
points of view. Acknowledging
importance of the principal f
crisis and notWithstanding the
forecast about the world food
felt that the document and the
a reasonable basis for deliber
and international action to BO
out that the great majority of
based on official data and tha
materials could therefore not
Secretariat to give its own un
situation. It was suggested t
of regional and even country d
14. The Preparatory Committe
world food problem were to be
problems as lol as in the tem
natural disasters. Some dele
cause of the 4Irld food crisis
and plunder by imperialist and
satisfied that the important f
of food supplies had been corn
number of delegates suggested
more sharply on the central c
15. The Committee recognized
country level over recent year
set of causes,' and that the pr
of individual countries. Seve
effects of ina4equate socio-ao
many develop4: countries and
rural develo nt including r
of production and consumption.
framework and conditions of in
reviewed the world food situation and outlo k on
vided in the re rt by the Secretary-Gen of
led "Assessment o the world food situation:
PREP/12, E/CONF.6 /3) and in the statements f
ittee's review also took into account the
ecretariat summarizing the modifications mad in
nsequence of the eparatory Committee's die ussion
ts second sessio . Supplementary infornlatio4 was
on production pzospects for staple food
ons contained in the Assessment document roc ived
egations felt that it did not fully reflect heir
the difficulty ir determining the relative
tors which had p ecipitated the current food
uncertainties in1erent in making any quantit tive
ituation, most delegates of the Preparatory ommittee
substance of the main issues raised by it p ?vided
tions by the Conferenoe on proposals for nat onal
ve the world food problem. Some delegations pointed
figures in the report were in certain instan es not
the prognosis derived on the basis of these
e taken otherwise than as an attempt of the
erstanding of the prospects of the world foo
at the analysis Could be clarified by the visiOn
ta.
agreed that the origins and causes of the exit
ought in deep-ro ted social, economic and t ctural
orary setbacks occasioned by periodic and wi espread
tions, however, ontended that the fundament
lay in the century-old oppression, exploitation
colonialist powers. The Preparatory Committ e was
tors which had impinged on the overall availability
ehensively treated in the document. However, a
hat the Assessment coUd usefully have foc
ass and drawn bolder conclusions.
that the unsatieljactory food production at t e
could not be ascribed in all instances to common
cipal factors differed according to the sit tion
al delegates pointed to the damaging long..ote
nomic structures on the growth of producti in
tressed the necessity of carrying out inte ated
ioal agrarian reforms in order to improve 1 els
Several delegates emphasized that the unsatisfactory
ernational trade had comprised the main die 4oentive
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to accelerated food production in their countries. The Committee stressed that
the insufficiency both of investment in fixed capital and of such inputs as
fertilisers, pesticiies and adequate rural credit had been a major obstacle to
more rapid food production, while a lack of investment in education and research
A and the application of research through extension services -had also
exacerbated the dimensions of the present crisis. They particularly felt that
unless immediate action was taken to ensure availability of food grains and other
essential inputs like fertilisers at reasonable prices, the situation is likely
to further deteriorate and all the efforts of many Years might be lost.
16. The discussion of the Committee on the possible future evolution of the
world food situation covered mainly the period up to 1985. Some delegates,
focusing attention on the short-term prospects, referred to the deterioration in
the present supply outlook for a number of staple foodstuffs compared with the
relative optimism which had prevailed earlier. They asked the Secretariat or
the FAO to provide a further up-to-date survey of the short-term prospects to the
Conference. These delegates believed that governments might find it necessary
to give urgent priority to action to alleviate the hardships to which this
situation could give rise.
17. Concerning the longer-term outlook, the Committee generally accepted the
substance of the demand and supply analysis presented in document H/CONIP.65/3
which pointed to a probable balance between food demand and supply for the world
considered as an entity, but to a widening food gap between demand and domestic
production in the developing countries as a whole, unless action was initiated
to substantially accelerate the rate of growth of food production in these countries.
It was emphasized, however, that such assessments of developments in demand and
production over 4 long span of time were inherently subject to a large measure of
uncertainty and that the actual magnitude of the future problem might differ
widely from the quantitative results obtained in the analysis.
18. Some delegates felt that the real incomes in the majority of developing
countries might grow more slowly than had been assumed by the Secretariat, which
could mean that the growth of effective demand for food would be less pronounced
than had been projected in the Assessment document, but famine and malnutrition
would increase. In that event, the projected gap between effective or market
demand and production in the developing countries would be less marked. However,
the non-effective demand would increase substantially. Some delegates also
considered that a change in the pattern of consumption of food in developed
countries and possible tendencies away from the use of food grains for livestock
feeding, particularly in developed countries, might ease the pressure on the grain
market and enable the developing countries to satisfy a greater part of their food
needs at a lower cost.
19. While the quantitative dimensions of the projected food gap could thus not
be measured with accuracy, delegates agreed that the prospective import requirements
of the developing countries, as a group, for the basic foodstuffs would be
substantial and would pose a major financial, economic and social problem unless
action was taken to accelerate domestic production.
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20. A number of delegates,
determinant of future demand
fox' the document to have die
requirements in greater depth
Secretariat t Prepare for th
major deciai 4 of the Popula
elements whichwere of parti
However, there was general
that assumed in the document
horizon of 1985, which had be
i
21. The Comaitteela dismiss
ships between ,the projected f
assumptions which had been
delegates stated that increas
the decade ?tithe sixties won
factors as the transfer of
degradation, and the diffioul
and higher prices of essonti
22. However* the Committee
quantification of the full d.
possible, there was overwhelm
acceleration in the growth of
viable lone-term solution of
23. The 00seittee also *gre
achieved in the sixties could
which was intOlerably high e
become worse. Delegates hi
unemployed in rural as well
children. It, their view, in
'lotion to iMProve the distr.
24. The, Preparatory Committ
potentialitiee of increased t
drawing on itS examination of
delegations stressed, the ilpo
structures, .and agrarian refo
of technologies shieh involve
minimum displaosient of labo
means of increasing overall to
together with more widespread
25.. NanY delegations atiesse
implementation of' the Dedlarat
of &New Internwtional Etonomi
sixth spacial session y for t
relations.
tressing the imp
or-tood, felt.tlz
404 the balance
In this come
World Food Cant
ion Conference
rtance of population grout
t it would have been dettir
between popUlatiO4 and to
ion, some delegates expecte
ream a document outlining
drawing attention to thos
ax' relevance to the work of the World Food
ement that population growth patterns other
Cad have theirteatest impact beyond the t
the basis of t Secretariat analysis.
on on the lOnge
d deficits of de
concerning to
s in food product
d now require mo
icultural land to
oft outlook considered the
loping countries and the
production in the future.
on even at the rates achie
vigorous efforts in view
other uses, problems of 1
i.e of enhancing Orop yields, due to the shO
inputs, especially fertilizers.
unanimous in i
ensions of the to
ng evidence of t
food production '
he food problem.
I view that, even though p
d problem of the future w
urgent need for a ?onside
developing countries as t
that, unless th growth rates of food prod
be increased, the present level of undernour
n on the basis of conservative criteria, co
privation, in particular,
of vulnerable groups, es
uct ion must be accompanied
food between socio-e6
ighted the severe
in urban areas
eases in food p
tion of income
26. The prooratory Oesmitte
to mobilize all available res
prove possible' to solve the fo
9 General AsSembly resolutiO
undertook a pre iminary discussion of the
produotion, in luding fisheries producti
he cause4 of pas performance. Thus, vario
mice which they 4ttaohed to improvements in
to ieorAo1ogica. advances, including the d
leen dependence pon isported resources and
I to the reductio of post-harvest losses as
d supplies, and he mobilization of human
iffusion of know edge at the farm level.
the importance which they ettaChed to the
on and the Programme of Action OA the Eatab
continued ref?f old and unreasonable
Order adopted t? of'
General Assembly at i
e cont
as a
le
the
he
onterance.
than
relation
&mei
d in
f such
ages
cise
not
able
e only
ction
'absent
f the
fatally
hy
c groups.
agreed that onli by greatly intensified eft
ces, physical, financial and human, would
problem in the Short and longer-term.
3201 (S.ATI) and 3202 (SVI).
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tura
velOPSent
the
a
ouroes,
ishment
cOnomic
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W. REPORT ON THE MEETING 'OF EffERESTED TRIMG4TI0NS ON SPECIFIC
PROPOSALS FOR POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION BY THE WORLD FOOD CONFERENCE
27. At the opening meeting of the third session of the Committee
(22nd plenary meeting on 23 September 1974), mr. Aftsb Ahmed Khan (Pakistan)
as Chairman of the Meeting of interested delegations on specific proposals
for possible consideration by the World Flood Conference made an oral report
on the results of the Meeting. The statement was circulated, at the
request of the Committee, as document E/CONT.65/PREP/L.7.
28. He recalled that the Committee at its second session had recommended
to the Economic and Social Council that a meeting of interested delegations
be convened in Rome from 16 to 20 September 1974 to consider the specific
proposals mentioned in the Committee's reportai The Economic and Social
Council, 0 its fifty-seventh session, approved the convening of the
meeting.2/
29. The meeting opened in the morning of 16 September and ended in the
afternoon of 20 September after holding nine sessions with 57 delegations and
10 observers participating.
30. The meeting considered the proposals referred to it by the Preparatory
Committee at its second session, as well as a new proposal. These were:
(1) World Fertilizer Fend proposed by Sri Lanka (E/CONF.65/4
pares 668-671);
(2) World Bank of Food, Agricultural Inputs Supply and Research,
proposed by Mexico (Annex I);
(3) Agricultural Development Fund, proposed by Sierra Leone on
behalf of the African Group (E/CONF.65/4, para 673);
(4) World Food Security Council, World Flood Bank and International
Agricultural Development Fund or Bank, proposed by Bangladesh
(R/C0NF.65/4, pares 675-678);
(5) Universal Declaration on the Eradication of Hunger, a draft
submitted by Peru (E/CORF.65/i3REF/L.5/Add.1 and Corr.1), the
text of which was subsequently revised by Peru (Annex IX); and
(6) World Wide Information System on Food. and Agriculture Situation,
proposed by Japan (Annex II).
E/5533, pare 19.
E/SR.1916.
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31. Pbe Chairman repo
there was agreement on
(a)
ed that, during t e exchange of views at the meeting,
s:
he following po
An integrated approach should be adopted in solving the we id
food problem;
(b) All proposals
Preparatory C
elements- of
The Secretary
several essen
be neoessary
of the propo
(d) The main eIe
655 of docume
provisions of
particularly
and the need
referred to above merited consideration by t e
mmittee as they Constituted important and co? lementary
ch an approach;
nerelis propos4 (E/CONF.65/4) had taken count of
ials of the individual proposals. However, it will
o further examin; them in order that the mai elements
is are fully realized through proposed folio up action;
nts of a world fOod policy, as summarized i paragraph
t E/CONF.65/4, received full support. These are the
additional resources to increase food produ ion,
n the developing countries, the need to imp ove food aid
o ensure greater food security;
Effective fol ow-up action is Ineeded to achieve the obje. ives which
are expected o emerge from the deliberations of the Worl. Food
Conference. Effective fol ow.up action will require fficient
and adequate institutions. Hence, there is need for xamining
the possibili y of improving and modifying existing institutions
and/or setti up coordinative mechanisms to meet the c,:ing
requirements;
As regards t
be set up to
proposals on
32. The Secretary-Gen
evoked l considerable in
establishment of a pro
Natione and its member
engage attention.
First, there was a wid
arrangements for oh
countries .were not fun
proliferation of organ
should only be ?onside
gaps or to promote bet
structure. Thirdly
might flos necessary to
In thii context it was
views Of potential don
a bearing on the quest
e proposal for a eclaration, a Working Part Should
examine the Peruv an draft and any other id:s and,
hat subject.
ral's proposals 24garding institutional
crest as theres a general consensus that
wi
or organizational structure to lead the Unit
countries was a jor issue which was bound
n the discussion, several general principles
spread feeling that existing organizational
lling development aid and support to develop
tinning adequatelfr. Secondly, unneoes
zations should bed avoided. New arrangeme a
d where it was desired to meet well-defined existing
er management wit out duplicating an existi
additional instihtutional changes or arrange nts
nerate new reso ces for agricultural devel merit.
suggested that t e Secretary-General asoerta n the
rs, as it was thoUght that their response wo ld have
on of institutional arrangements.
meats
he
emerged.
ng
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
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33. During the debate wide support was expressed for the specific
proposals by Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Mexico and Japan.
There was also general agreement on the need for the issuance of a
declaration in some form. In addition, there was widespread support
for the need to tap new sources of funds to promote agricultural
development. In this context, the need for substantial external
assistance was underlined, though it was acknowledged that domestic
resources would also have to be augmented. The suggestion was made
to the effect that a consultation might be held between traditional and
potential donors.
34. Several ideas were put forward during the debate suggesting
improvements and modifications in order to streamline and modernize
existing arrangements for channelling development assistance. These
included expanded consultations amongst the donors; creation of a
Consultative Group of experts; formation of a Steering Committee;
expanding the c)ordinating role of the Economic and Social Council and
of the World Food Programme; upgrading of FAO Council, and so on.
35. At the 40th meeting on 4 October 1974, the Committee took note
with appreciation of the report on the Meeting of interested delegations
on specific proposals for possible consideration by the World Food
Conference.
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V. THE WORLD FOOD
36. The Committee revie
presented in the Secretari
Secretariat of the World. P
sections of the document w
therein. ,
37. There WAS general
required to expend world f
To achieve that end, ii
and international sources
governments of developing
context of their overall n
organizations and finanoi
their foreign assistance
38. Th* was general s
for increasing food produ
elements:
(a)
making nvell0
as fertilisers
improved Man
(b)1 the expansion
and extension
an appropriate
( )
comprehensive
i particularly t
(d) a major more
in food produ
39. Some delegates poin
in the strategy for inc
40. Stress was also lai
in the vulnerable groups,
41. Many delegates, ho
under coneideration until
Committee, and this facto
had meant that no spocifi
disapprove the detailed
emphasized that they bad
proper attention and were
contained in the document
?BLEW: PROPOSALS
:
the proposal*
t document (E/CO
od Conference int
th a brief eipl
POR NJOIONAL AND INTERNATI AL ACTION
r national and internatio action
.65/PREP/131 E/CONP.65/4). The
uced each of the first fur
tion of the analysis and gestions
ement in the Coinittee that increased effo s were
d production, prtioularly in developing o tries.
agreed that inc eased resources from both tional
uld be required. i It was also agreed that n tional
i
ountries Should ve priority to agriculture in the
tional plans, an donor countries and. into ational
institutions should give priority to agrio ture in
gramme.
port among delegations for the Secretariat
ion in developing countries which included ?he following
strategy
e sufficient quantities of agricultural inpu
pesticides, muter resources, high-quality a
ment;
f resources for research and delivery of inf
n general and agricultural credit so as to e
technology in given conditions;
al development'eo designed as to involve
e small farmer and landless worker; and
e in internal and external funds available f
ion development.
ed out the importance of the education of
tug food production in developing countries
on the need to raise nutritional levels, as
and to strengthen food security.
von pointed out that they had not received t
just prior to the present session of the Pre
together with the limited time available to
action was taken by the Committee to approv
posals presented in the document. Some del
ot received the Official document in time to
unable to expressi their views on specific
s such
eds and
rmat ion
aborate
ople,
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Section I: Measures for increasing food production in the developin&countries
42. The Committee agreed in the main with the detailed analysis of the problems
facing the developing countries in accelerating the growth of their production.
It was the view of the Committee that the most important issue was that of
increasing production in the developing countries and it supported the Main lines
of the proposals set out in Ohapters 1 to 8 in the document. It noted that the
Secretariat's proposals included 44 specific suggestions for consideration by the
? World Food Conference and felt that an indication of the scale of priority to
be attached to these items would help the World Food Conference to concentrate on
the more important proposals. Several delegates noted that a number of the
proposals related to the strengthening or expansion of the relevant activities
of FAO and other agencies, and suggested that the agencies Should consider these
proposals in formulating their programme of work and budget in the light of the
Conference's recommendations.
43. Most delegates agreed with the analysis of the objectives of production
policies, national resPonsibilities and international cooperation and aSsietance
as presented in Chapter I, emphasising in particular the responsibility of the
developing countries to formulate their food production objectivee and goals in
the context of their economic and social development planning and their population
policies. Several delegates emphasised the essential nature of institutional
change and of the reform of the social structure in developing countries including
agrarian reforms as the essential basis of an integrated rural development
enoompassing all strata of the population as a prerequisite for achieving further
sustained increases in food production, and eliminating hunger and malnutrition.
Attention was also drawn to the Problem posed by the rapid increase in population
and to the need for the Conference to give due consideration to the Plan of Action
adopted by the World Population Conference.
44. The Committee agreed with the document's statement of objectives of food
production within the framework of egonomic and social goals. for the short, medium
and long term and with the need for international cooperation and assistance as
based on paragraph 109, and felt that thee0)2hinntiYes could be incorporated in
any general declaration which the Conference might wish to adopt, leaving the
specific action proposals to be dealt with in recommendations or resolutions.
A few delegates questioned the usefulness of setting regional goals for food
produotion.
45. The Committee attached special importance to the proposals in Chapter 2
regarding the short and medium term measures for increasing the supply of
fertilizers, pesticides, seeds and credit, and laid particular emphasis on the
contribution which these inputs would make to increasing food production in the
critical short run. The Committee noted with appreciation the action taken by
the FAO Council in pursuance of Economia and Social Council resolution 1836 (LVI
for setting up an International Fertilizer SWAY Scheme (IFS) and the progress
of its operations as reported by FAO. The IFS had 80 far obtained promises or
pledges of .a limited quantity of fertilizers; unless further supplies could he
mobilized, the physical availability of fertilisers would fall far short of the
urgent needs or the developing countries, particularly those most seriously
affected by the recent economic crisis. The financial resources which could be
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
__.---'
mobilized f r the put-Chase
correspondti to at 'best one
The Committee exprested con
at the adverse effect of th
term prospeet for bridging
requested PO 'to provide an
Conference d urged the Co
ways and mens of giving an
problem. '
46.' Ae-regarde the medium
need for additional invest
116.5 billiOn on new dapaCit
developing countries urged
in fertiliSer plants in th
natural reSources as well
sized plant*. Several del
efficiencyof existing fe
since meet of these plants
was wide eapport for proPo
The Committee-agreed.lhat,'
to be built, Particularly
demand for fertilizer and
It took note in this comic
Commitsion for Asia and th
PertilitertjUnd fel* the to
policy., I was suggested
UNIDO and FAO,' an expert
repommendationst Should be
,
47. Emphasis was laid o
and on the-efficient use
efficient extension *end
also placed on the need f
manures.
48. Not .ng the importan
conservat on, a number of
term act ion proposal (par
make the atocks available
on concesaional terms.
availability of pesticide
The Committee felt that t
caused by the economic di
and recoMmended that ur
Committet also re-emphasi
and etre sold the need'to
including? biological coot
delegate pointed out t
their national plant pro
and that UNIDO, UNE' and
-14-
f fertilisers by the developing countries
half of the physiCal supply promised to rm.
ern at the precarious fertilizer situation d
shortage and high prices thereof on the she
he food gap of the developing countries. It
up-to-date report on the IPS to the World P
erence-to give Priority to the consideratio of
ort to IPS to ellable it to tackle the Jame Jades
and long term, the Committee noted that the was
nt within the net three to four years of a ut
as estimated inIthe document. Delegates o
that a high prio:ity be allotted to the inve
se developing co tries which had oil, gas o
those which had the markets to justify eff
gates stressed th need for an increase in p
ilizer plants, p icularly in the developin
were working at around 60 percent capacity.
ale in'the dorms t for abort and lonriterm
in the long run, ore fertilizer plants woul
n developing co ries, in order to meet the
hat there was ne d to develop a world fertil
on of the Sri Lnka and the Economic and
a
Pacific propos a for the creation of a Wo
lotion and imp ementation of such a world
hat, under the a spices of such agencies IX
alysis of the lo ger-term position, includ
made urgently.
tment
other
cient-
duction
countries,
There
tion.
have
increasing
ser policy.
oial
ld
fertiliser
IBRD,
g relevant
development and .rehefer of intermediate te ?logy
t
f fertilisers. Xil
s training of farmers thr more
es was considered of vital importance. is was
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
? 15 ?
global programme for research and training in integrated pest control. In view
of current reports concerning the problem on pesticides within the longer-term
period, it was suggested that, under the auspices of such agencies as IBRD,
UNIDO and FAO, an expert analysis of the longer-term position, including relevant
4
recommendations, should be made.
49. The Committee recognized the crucial importance of adequate stocks of
seeds of the right improved variety for timely distribution, noting in this
connexion the very considerable impact of the Nffs in bridging the food gap in
several developing countries in the recent past. Only a few countries had
established proper seed multiplication, etorage and distribution systems and
there was urgent need for more assistance to countries to establish efficient
seed industries. There was general support for the proposals outlined in
paragraph 180, subject to the following considerations:
(a) the Seed Industry Development Programme of FAO should be more
broadly based and further strengthened;
(b) in order to avoid misuse of seeds as grains, the seed reserve
stocks should be kept distinct from food reserve stooks; and
(c) greater attention should be given to develop storage techniques
under difficult and diverse conditioas on the lines of the efforts
of the FAO Working Group set up to identify such techniques.
0
50. The Committee stressed that it was essential for agricultural development
to provide adequate technical and financial assistance to developing countries
in order to promote the establishment of facilities for manpower training and the
setting up of an improved extension services system in those countries.
51. The absence of specific mention of agricultural machinery as an essential
input for inoreasing food production in developing countries was raised by
several delegations, especially those from African countries. It was emphasized
that mechanization, even in a plentiful labour situation, was essential to ensure
timely primary cultivation and harvesting activities on an expanded acreage or
where multiple cropping was practised, or to handle the produce from high yielding
varieties. Reference was made to the recommendations formulated on the
mechanization question during the Eighth FAO Regional Conference for Africa
(August 1974) at which the importance of this matter had been stressed and
requests submitted for concrete action with the object of developing a form of
mechanization to suit African conditions. Delegations from other developing'
regions also recognized the need for similar' adaptive research and training,
and, wherever possible, for the local production of improved hand-tools, animal
draught, tractors and implements. In this connexion, the Committee noted that
the FAO Conference at its Sixteenth Session made a request to the Director-
General of FAO concerning mechanization. 4/
4/ Report of the Conference of FAO, Sixteenth Session, pare 163.
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
- 10
52. Several delegations al
in the developing world for
to prevailing conditions.
tools and implements and a
as well as an appropriate oo
consumer items for internal
53. The important role of
attention was given to the
needy group, especially th
experience existing in the
the channelling of credit
farmers. They suggested th
technical stasis-Wince to pro
possible ',seed" capital for
the view that developing co
building up of their credit
in external assistance.
54. Apart from the variou
link between producer and 0
by the Committee. It felt
infrastructUre and that me
due consideration with a vi
reducing ?the costs of deliv
this respect, some delegate
000perativel could play.
reduction of post-harvest 1
1
55. The COmmitteels atten
development (including the
water resources which would
of existing irrigated area,
under irrig1d agriculture
in Tainted As. The cost
:
irrigation schemes and to $
billion, with a foreign ex
of many developing oountrie
programmes Which in some co
water management techniques
for oomplementary investmen
parallel deVeloPment of whi
not be fully reaped. Not in
annual rate of investment f
a corresponding increase in
range of abOut $2.5 billion
transfers on this scale o
It was explained that the t
concentrated in the same co
programme costs should not
capacity of individual coun
o drew the atten
ppropriate or "i
oh technologies
gree of meohanis tion in agricultural produ
lex of prooessing of agricultural products
as well as export markets.
ion of the Committee to th
termediate" technologies
uld include the improveme
credit was stressed by most delegations, and
roblem associated with providing credit for
small farmers. Several delegates referred
eveloped world under cooperative credit eche
d the provision o savings facilities for th
t such experience should be used in the form
xtension services and wher
t schemes. The Committee
much greater attention to
der to absorb sizeable inc
ide training and
agricultural cred
tries should giv
institutions in o
inputs into agriCultural production, the f
neumer, i.e. that of marketing, was also e
hat marketing was an essential part of the
ures for the imprOvement of marketing? should
w to ensuring a reasonable return to the f
ry of agricultural products to the consume
referred to the important role which farmer
e contribution of effective marketing to the
saes was also stressed.
ion was drawn to the proposed programmes for
xtension of cultivation to new areas) of lan
entail (a) the " provement of 46-million,he
(b) the expansio by 1985 of 23 million bee
and (0) land de elopment in 153 million he
of the prograMmeamounted to $59 billion fo
O billion for rai fed areas, i.e. a total of
angs component of about $30 billion. Repress
strongly emphasized the importance of these
tries should also include flood control and
Several representatives also stressed the
s on transport and communications, without t
the benefits from land and water develo
that the proposals envisaged a stepping-up
om all sources to about billion per annum,
external finencig from about $700 million t
by 1980, several delegates doubted whether r
d be realistically envisaged or. fully &Door
ee components of the programme were not nec
tries, and hence the magnitude of the total
e a decisive factor as regards the abeorpti
ries. The Committee further emphasized the
need
apted
t of
tion
into
particular
he moat
o the
as for
small
of
ver
uPPorted,
the
eases
her
asized
cultural.
be giVen
ere and
? In
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
the
and
ares
ares
tares
$69
ntatives
sound
eed
t could
f the
with
a
souree
d.
ssarily
eed
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
? 17 ?
for large scale training programmes, particularly at the medium level, as well
as the need to adopt intermediate technology in the fields of land and water,
as well as other training programmes in many other agricultural sectors.
The Committee emphasized international river basin planning and development,
the development of minor irrigation schemes, and similar aspects. some
delegations stressed the importance of taking account of ecological implications
in the development of land and water resources so that short-term gains would
not be offset by long-term losses.
56. Further, the Committee underlined the need for carrying out's, World
Survey of Water Resources and Irrigation Potential, as proposed in paragraph 200
of the document, in order to improve and update the hydrological data, both on
global and national 'levels. It noted that such a survey would be closely
correlated with the assessment of soil resources by theoproposed International
Land Resources Centre, and emphasized the importance of gearing the survey to
concrete proposals. Referring to the proposed International Irrigation
Development and Water Use Institute (paragraph 201), several delegates felt
that FAO could carry out many of the Institute's functions within its present
mandate.
57. The Committee recognized the important contribution that national and
international research programmes could make to the increase of food production
in developing countries and agreed that this was one of the priority areas for
national and international action. Noting the high pay-off of outlay on research,
the Committee agreed with the need for increased outlays on the international
research programme, as well as for the strengthening of national research.
However, the Committee felt that, to achieve the estimated annual outlay of the
order of $1.2 billion on research, considerable trained manpower and other
resources would be necessary. In this connexion, it emphasized the need for
adequate education and training programmes. The Committee noted that the
cost-benefit analysis of research was difficult but would be discussed at a
conference to be held in January 1975. It was hoped that the discussions on
that occasion would assist greatly in the planning, programming and budgeting
of future major research efforts, both at the national and at the international
levels. The Committee noted that the machinery of the Consultative Group and
its Technical Advisory Committee, as developed under the programme sponsored
jointly by FAO, IBRD and UNDP, had proved flexible, effective and successful
in many ways, and that many delegations felt that it deserved consideration in
other areas of the action programme.
58. Some delegates emphasized the need for including in the research programme
activities looking into the long term, while others emphasized the inadequate
research results available on crops such as pulses, root crops, non-staples and
other crops. The Committee emphasized the need for greatly enhanced efforts
in basic and adaptive research on problems of tropical, arid and semi-arid
agriculture, and particularly food crops. The Committee attached special
importance to the information and delivery system needed for transmitting the
results of research through extension and other organizations. It felt that
the information and extension services needed for this purpose had not been as
fully emphasized and formulated in the relevant chapters of the document as
their importance would warrant.
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
- 10 -
59. The Committee stres
losses and, waste, part icul
make towards reducing the
activities produoed waste
environmental pollution if
employmenti..generating oppo
emphasized. IA this conne
appropriate technologies t
The considerable scope an
such as sugar-refining we
industries companies to i
organizing these industri
60. RecOgnisiag the im
that plane and Programmes
of breeding, nutrition an
strengthening the resear
and at national levels, w
for tropiOal conditions.
61. The Committee reco
control ot African Animal
number of,African countri
region's annual meat prod
that progress in trypano
possible the implement ati
livestocklproduction pots
trypanosoMiasis and toots
of an integrated plan of
projects covering pasture
livestock marketing, and
62. The Committee felt
attention, especially in
The marine resources of t
increased catches without
development aimed at
water and seawater dose
to inoreaie technical an
improving processing acti
felt that greater attent"
and small scale fisherie
Poorer sections of the
63. The Committee ful
food production increase
through technical soluti
particularly of small f
which represented them.
utmost priority to polio
of the riral population
the contributi
ly in the handl
ood gap of devel
roducts whioh co
a waste manageme
unities present
on, the Committ
suit the reeour
need for investm
e noted, as were
est in joint ven
O was also stress
rtanee of the liv
for the developm
animal health.
which prevention of post
'lig and storage of the prod
ping countries. Many proc
d be potential sources of
t scheme was not adopted.
d by the agro-industries w
e underlined the need for
e positions of different c
outs in food processing act"
he opportunities for the
ures. The role of coopera
d.
stock sector, the Committe
t thereof should encompass
here was need for further
programmes in lie areas, both at internat
th a view to evolving methods and techniques
ized the importan
trypanosomiasis w
s and was expecte
ction by about 1.
iasis and tsetse
e of the action proposal f
Joh was of interest to a 1
to result in increasing t
million tons. The Commit
fly control techniques now
n of large-scale operations in regions where
tial was warrant $. The Committee emphasize
fly control sboi4d be considered as the f"
conomic developm t, to be followed by pro
improvement, li stock management, animal h
rocessing and ed cation.
hat the developm t of fisheries deserved s
iew of the fast wing protein needs of th
e world still prjvided a considerable poten
impairing copse ation. Further, research
ulture, the bre:ling of fish in freshwater,
al
speci suppo . The Committee stressed
financial assistance to the developing coun
ities, storage and distribution. The CoMmi
n should he given to the development of art
the benefits of which would largely accrue
pulation.
supported the view that the goals and obje
in developing coOntries could not be achiev
sl but required the involvement of the pow
ere and landless workers as well as of the
To that end, the developing countries should
as and programmes designed to enable the poo
o participate in the development of producti
est
could
Being
The
re
eveloping
wit rise.
vitiee
ives in
emphasized
1 aspects
anal
suitable
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
? 19 ?
employment, to obtain adequate access to technology, inputs, credit and
marketing facilities and to improve their income and nutritional statue.
The Committee agreed with the integrated approach to rural development
indicated in Chapter 6 of the document, in particular the emphasis placed
on mobilizing rural people, securing their participation and encouraging
self-reliance. It also agreed that no olear pattern of rural development
could be suggested for universal adoption.
64. Some delegates pointed out that, in many developing countries, women
constituted well over halt of the total labour force in arable farming.
However, the participation of women in agricultural production was usually
given inadequate attention. It was proposed that the Conference should stress
the role of women in rural development and discuss implications for education
and extension.
65. The Committee stressed that agrarian reform in its widest sense should
be a key element of rural development, the main objective of which should be
to improve the condition of the small farmers, /endless labourers and other
sections of the rural poor. It also recognized that, While agricultural
extension and education should be a necessary element of rural development
programmes, these should not be confined to securing an increase in agricultural
productivity but should encompass structural improvements, increases in
employment and a better distribution of the product. The attainment of these
objectives would require the strengthening of institutional and other support,
especially to the weaker sections of the farming and rural community, and also,
in many countries, institutional innovations. The Committee noted that many
developing countries would need to strengthen their planning efforts and
madhinery-and adopt an integrated approach to the analysis of the rural sector.
The need for technical assistance in such planning, as well as in developing
suitable services and facilities, was also underlined.
66. The Committee gave special attention to the proposals made in Chapter 8
on the requirements of financial resources necessary for the implementation of
the different programmes for increasing food production in developing countries.
Many delegates agreed that the present level of development assistance flow
to agriculture ($1.5 billion) was inadequate, and needed to be increased very
substantially by 1980 to meet the proposed goals and objectives. Delegates
from some of the developed countries stated that they were still examining
these estimates, and would explain their position at the Conference. Some
of these delegates felt that, since agriculture was an integral part of the
developing process, the allocation of increased external as well as domestic
resources to agriculture involved policy choices on the part of the developing
countries concerned. The sectorial allocation of bilateral aid depended not
only on the donors but much more on the wishes and priorities or the recipient
governments. A few delegates observed that, in order to step up the transfer
of external resources to the levels indicated, there would have to be a
substantial increase in the absorptive capacity of the developing countries and
a considerable easing of such constraints as institutional capacity and trained
manpower. The delegates of many developing countries supported the proposals
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
in paragraPh 455, and ind
goals in the medium term
on a much higher scale th
of mobiliaing domeetie're
situation caused by infla
difficulties.
67. The Committee noted
resources were linked to
the setting up of an 81414ri
issues should be consider
cated that their,
pended very: ar
.at present. Th
ources to the u
ion,,shortages o
that the estimat
he propoaels for
ltural developm
d together by th
rospects of achieving prod
ly on receiving external
y also emphasized their in
Bt, in spite of the critic
inputs and balance of palm
at ion
sistance
antin
s of the requirements of fi ancial
fellow-up action, in parti ar-
t fund, and felt that these two
World Food Conference..
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
- 21 -,
Section: II; 'Policy:andProgrammoo for Improving Nutrition
68. The Committee generally agreed that Section II of the document contained
valuable analysis and proposals for action to alleviate malnutrition and
undernutrition. It reaffirmed. the fundamental :right of all to be adequately fed.
69. The Committee streSeed the importance of adopting: eounder and more coherent
measures in the field of nutritional improvement, which should form part Of
integrated national food and nutrition policies and programmes. Those, in turn,
should receive high priority in the national socio-economic development plans ,
of individual countries. Although such measures were 4 matter of natioual
responsibility' the international community should also provide adequate
assistance.
70. The Committee emphasized that policies to increase consumption and improve
nutritional levels should be closely linked to policies for production as well,
as to those aiming at the:increa6eAn and better dixtribution of incomes.
71. The Committee felt that it: was necessary to make a distinction between
long-term means of combating poverty and those of a shorter-term 'nature designed
to secure prompt relief of the nutrition difficulties of the Most vulnerable
groups. While the former constituted the ultimate answer, the latter might well
contribute an immediate solution to the plight of the ,hungry people in the world.
724 The Committee emphasized the importance of specific feeding programmes as
a short and medium-term means of improving the nutritional statue of children,
mothers and other vulnerable groups There was agreement that these programmes'
should be considerably strengthened, and that they should serve the needs of the
right people in the vulnerable groups. These programmes should riot only depend -
on external : reseuroes4 but should try to utilize local foods as much aa, possible
It was recegnized, however, that, for many developing cOuntrits, dependence on
food aid would continue for some time for the establishment -and strengthening of
feeding prOgrammee. Some delegates emphasized the need to integrate the special
feeding Programmes in health programmes.
73. Priority should be given to feeding children and mothers, and :those programmes
should be closely linked to programmes for nutritional education, since the latter
were of great importance in improving nutritional levels. Particular emphasis was
laid by a number of delegates on breast-feeding practices as a way of preventing
malnutrition in children Delegates stressed the role of international agencies
such as WHO, UNICEF, FAO and the WFP, as well as of a great number of non-
governmental voluntary organizations, and the contribution expected of them in
the implementation of future and wider programmes.
74. The Committee attached considerable importance to the role of international
and regional nutrition research centres and to general research in that field,
which should be of a multidisciplinary nature. Research could yield satisfactory
results when applied to the utilization of local resources, to the nutritional .
'content of food crops through better breeding, to food technologyi processing
and marketing. It also stressed that these results should be widely disseminated.
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
.* 22 -
i
75. A number of delegates s
relationship between these
the need to reduce the impac
in chapter l. of the docume
that end appeared to be und
and should be carried out as
the document had not paid s
from over-consumption of foe
food and nutrition policy in
make more feed available for
the present consumption patt
a model.
reseed the haa1t1 aspects and the close inte
nutritional pr lems. Attention was drawn
of specific nut itional deficiencies, as in
t. Although the dosts of the necessary camps
stimated, those programmes deserved special
a matter of great urgency. Some delegates fe
ficient atteniior to the health problems res
in developed ootntries, and urged the need
these countries 4lso which would, among othe
the rest of the World. It was also pointed o
rn of developed oountries should not be take
76. A number of delegations also stressed the great importance of traini
qualified personnel in all f.elds related to nutrition, food technology,
and consumer education and p etection.
Jested
gns to
attention
t that
lting
or a
things,
t that
as
arketing,
77. Mhny delegates?express their agreement with the idea of setting fil ecific
targets for improving nutrit'oft. Some of them,. however, expressed 1-ese tiona
as regards the targets in th document, in vi w of the weakness of the b sic
data, and felt that that asp et merited furth r discussion by the World rood
Conference. Nevertheless; on of the priority actions to be undertaken b
governments was the improvem nt of their basie data on the nutritional situation
and food consumption patterns, including medical and other health parameters, with
a view, to providing a firma basis for targets for nutritional improveme t,
thereby facilitating the fo ulation of natio1 al food and nutrition poll ies and
programmes end improving th 1 orientation and tilization of international assistance.
73. The Committee took note of the statement
UNICa on behalf of their e ganizations. Whil
related ?problems of health r.d malnutrition,
measures at the national an international le
willingness of their respective organizations
beration with other interested agencies, in t
of programmes aiming at the solution of these
II of the decument, provid adequate funds w
zation and execution of sue programmes.
made by the observers of 0 and
stressing the gravity of he inter-
nd the urgent need to adop appropriate
l, the Observers re-affi ed the
to participate actively, i oolla-
e formulation and implementation
problems, as recommended ' ASection
re made available for the gani--
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
? 23
Section III; Action to Strengthen World Food Security
79. The Preparatory Committee examined several proposals to strengthen World
food security, including those made by delegations and those contained in
Section III. The Committee felt that urgent action was needed. to ensure the
availability at all times of adequate supplies of foodstuffs. It agreed that
the proposals before it, which included the establishment of a food information
and early warning system, a coordinated system of national stock policies as
envisaged in the proposed international undertaking on World Food Security,
better arrangements for meeting emergency food requirements and the formulation
of a long.-term policy on food aid, represented a useful basis for formulating a
meaningful world food security policy. The Committee stressed that lasting food
security rested fundamentally on increased food production, particularly in the
developing countries.
80. The Committee reviewed the proposal for a food information and early warning
system contained in the document under consideration and the proposal submitted.
by Japan for the establishment of a World Wide Information System on Food and
Agriculture Situation (Annex II). It agreed that there was an urgent need for
establishing a worldwide food information system to strengthen the implementation
of world food security and to promote market stability in a constantly changing
food and agricultural situation. It felt that the main features and Objectives of
the two Proposals were essentially similar and complementary and that it was
desirable to combine them. It also noted that the nucleus of a food information
system already existed in FAO and that other international organizations/ such.*
as the International Wheat Council, also collected useful information: on food
and agriculture. There was support for building on these existing information
arrangements. The global food information system should aim at identifying
countries or regions where acute food shortages were likely to arise, at moni-
toring the world food supply-demand situation in order to help governments to
take prompt measures and at contributing to the efficient working of the proposed
international undertaking on World Food Security, The Committee felt that the food
information system should assemble, analyze and disseminate comprehensive and
timely information on, inter alias the situation and prospects of main crops and
livestock products, export availabilities and importresairements, supplies of
agricultural requisites, particularly fertilizers and weather conditions, inclu-
ding, as far as possible, forecasts. ManssdeIegates stressed that full and active
participation in the information system by all countries, particularly those which
were major producers, consumers and/or traders, was essential for the effective
functioning of the system. The Committee recognized that technical assistance
would be required to build up national food information services in developing
countries. Several delegates stressed that some of the information provided by
governments might be sensitive and would, need to be used with care and discretion
so as to avoid speculative activities which would disturb the markets.
81. The Committee, in its consideration of the proposal for an international,
undertaking on World Food Security, welcomed the progrees made in FAO in deve-
loping a common aPProaeh in this field and gave its fall support to the proposal
to maintainadectuate reserve stocks of basic foods which could provide the world
with a margin of safety against production shortfalls. The Committee stresses
that it was essential for major producing and consuming cOuntries to adhere to
the proposed undertaking so. that the objectives of world fnod security could be
fully met. The Committee noted that some detailed practical and technical ,problems
would need to be resolved if the operation of the undertaking was to be effective
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
24 -
and hoped that progress in thi
governmental bodies of PAO.
supply situation, food stocks
disrupting the market. Commo
appropriate balance of supply
for financial And technilal, as
maintain food reserves was al
82. Some delegates suggested
be strengthened by an underst
countries on a more precise
and national targeta for stock
levels to both producers and c
would be made as Soon as possi
direction would be made in the appropriate w nter..
was recognized that, in view of the current tight
ould need to be uilt up slowly in order to void
y stocks could successfully created ona if an
d demand had ben previosuly attained. The need
istance to deve ping, countries to establis and
underlined.
hat it would be useful if the' undertaking id
ing among the major cereal exporting and im orting
closel1 Organized scheme of reserves with lobal
and on the stabilization of prices at teas neble
nmumers. They ed that progress in that direction
le through negot ations in appropriate fora.
83. The Committee reviewed th proposals on lo-term policy for food aid
for arrangements to meet emer noy food requir ants as contained in the d
before it."It agreed that the am n action tor the solution of the food pro
in developing countries shoul come from increasing food production in tho
countries themselves, but food aid would still be necessary foi. several Y
ahead. That COmmittee distin iehed three types of food aid - for smergeno
purposes, to dombat hunger a 4 malnutrition and to assist in accelerated e
development.
84. Regarding emergency fo
ments in the existing ar
areas. Many delegations saPha
the capacity Of the World 'Po
operations. The Committee lad
was one of the main obstacles
stockpiling of baso foods, e
would also spied up emergency
up an international food rose
examination of this 'proposal
De1e46e, financing or institu
extended rolelfor the World
85. As regards the longer-te
while recogniling that food a'
nature, agreed that forward p
were netessarY, 'within the:
impart
impart a reasenable degree of
cations expressed 4 willingne
to enter into these commitmen
terms. The CoMmittee stressed
cost of food aid amongat all
support for increasing the gr
multilaterel Part of sueh aid
It *greed that the elimineti
objeotiVe of *Unger-tern f
needed on defining the soope
mittee agreed"that the role o
in the perepeetiie of the eV*
was recognized that, in Copt,
assistance praferred. The C
disincentive effects Of food
on 'normal 000nercial trade
developing conntries. In this
adherence to the FAO Principl
al the Committe
ents so as to
ized the need for
Programme in the
stress on the
improvedients in
thet nationally 0
operations. As re
for smergeneie
as necessary, p
iotal aspects, mi
od Programme.
emphasized the heed for i
ed up the flow of eid to ? isanter
strengthening the resource ani
field or disaster and emer ncY
t that as poor transportation
his sector were essential. The
within ..:.a regional framewo k,
'ds the proposal for sett
, the Committee felt that
icnlarly of management, I.
h particular reference to
aspects of food aid policy the Committee,
d eho.uld not be-regarded as"being of a, Perm ent
arming and stabilization of food aid commitm nts
its of national b4dget regulations, in order to
doirtinuity in fo aid, programmes. Several d le-
s to make longer.. erm oommitmente'of feed ad and
Et to a larger extent in quantitative and phy iota
the desirability of the equitable sharing of the
?nom, both traditional and potential. ?It e ressed
t component of f od aid and for expanding t e
partiaularly-t ugh the World l000d frograM
f hunger and in: nutrition should be a majo
aid pollen alt augh further work would be
costs of impl enting..inch 4 polioy.The'
food aid in e c development should be
I aid programme:ame'development strategic,
n circumstances, ood aid might be the form
ittee stressed th desirability of' avoiding he
aid on food produ tion in the recipient (tom ries,
on the produotio and trade of food-exporti
connection, it re ffirmed the importance of
sot Surplus Die sal.
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
? 25 ?
Section IV: Trade Stabiliti and Adjustment
86. The Committee recognized that, as outlined in Section IV of the documen4
under oonaideration, trade formed an integral part of the world food problem
and it agreed that relevant questions should be identified and oonsidered,by
the Conference in so far as they were linked with the solution Of this problem.
It WAS ai4reed that'the-eovernments should take ieto amount the outcome of the
, , ,
deliberatiOns'of the Coeference in this fieldwhen dealing with trade questions
in the appropriate fora, such as GATT ani,UNOTAD.
87. Most delegates agreed that, if trade were to fulfil its role, it should
have a free and orderly flow at stable prices and. provide an assured outlet to
exporters and security of supply to importers, at reasonable prices to both.
Measures to stabilize food prices at reasonable levels for both producers and
consumers on the world market were therefore imperative. It ,was also. vital to
remove destattles to the access to markets for food aa well 35 for other products
exported by developing countries. As part of these liberalization measures, deve-
loping food-exporting countries should be enabled to acquire an adequate share
of the food market. In addition, steps should. be taken to promote adjustment
by individual countries with a view tofacilitating the rapid adaptation of the
production structure to the changes in the market.
88. The repreeentet,ive of UNCTAD drew the- attention of the ComMittee to the
fact that'the'Provisional Agenda of the Conference as recommended by the Com-
mittee and approved by the Economic and Social Council at its fifty-seventh
session 2/ defined the scope of Conference agenda item 9 (d) as follows:
"specific objectives and measures in the area of international trade and ad-
justment, which are relevant to the food problem, including mealseres towards
stabililation and expansion of markets for exports from developing cow:Aries".
89-. Many delegates ooneiderei that it was esseetial to formulate guidelines for
the work in other fora in connexion with international mealeires for the removal
of trade "barriers, for trade expansion and diversification, price stability,and
for structural adjustment. The proposals for action suggested at the end of each
chapter in section Iv (paragraphs 610, 636 and 645) of the document under discus-
sion could be used as a basis for these gaidelines. However, some delegates felt
that the guidelines should be more specific and more explicitly directed to
particular bodies 'concerned than was the case in the proposals in that dooement.
90. In view of the close interrelation between stocks and prices, the Committee
recognized the need to link arrangements for World lotod Security with measures
for food stabilization, as well as any future arrangement for international
agricultural, NStment.
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
- 26 -
Section V; Arran4ements Tor follow-up.aot:jen
91. The Coiiittee examined at length Sect ir V of document E/COO *WO
(E/000.65,/ ) "Arrangements for follow-,up action", as well as other Oro
for institu ional arrangements and followownP *on Ida& Were before th
Committee. During this debate, various viewl. of delegations.. on these acts
were stated After the general debate, the rther consideration of S tion V
was-entruited to an informal Working Group which was set Up at ,the 28th tooting
of the Comm ttee on Thursday, 26 September. The terms of referinee of he
Working Cro p were to:
(a)
Ekimine how the **inclusions of the Conference can best be
presented to the -world;
,
*amine hew follow-up action to the decisions of the Confer*
ould be dealt with;
(0) Discuse what Should be the general contents: of a declaration
and programme of action in case this Should be decided upon.
92. Sierra Leone was designated as Chairman
The other mmbers were: Algeria, Argent/nal
CzechosIoyaie.l Egypt, German Democratic Re
Japan, Norway, ,Paki 'tent Pent, Roman
of Great Brit&in and Northern Ireland, Unit
93. The Working Group was to
expressed by delegates during
accordingly.
94. At the 38th meeting, the
( Sierra Leone) presented the
follows:
carry out its
the debate in
of the informal Working G
Australia, Belgium, Canada
blio, Nungszlit India, Indo
a, Saudi Arabia, United Ki
? States of America and Zan
ndate in the light of vi
lenarr on section V and re
Chairman of tit Working Group, Mr. S.A. J
report of the orking Group. The report
(1) e Working Group, agreed that the
of the Ca arena, to the world Would be to h
inform pub Jo opinion containing the moons
the policy implications flowing from the our
world food situation and formulation of the
the Conference for resolving the world food
resolution' on priority proposals for action
and commitment* Could be reached, (c) a repo
0 series of reoommendations of a more teohni
national gOvernments, to international organ
est war to present the co
ve (a) a declaration des
for oonvening the World?
art and prospective asses
jor points of deoilion
roblem, (h) a set of spec
on which clear-cut undo
rt of the Conference Joao
cal or general nature addre
sstions and other appropr
(2) tn its discussion of the scope of the declaration, several
were made: (i) The declaration should recall the findings of the assay
the current food crisis and the prospect that shortages and 1240 Prioel
could beoo.. a world-wide catastrophe and affirm strongly the basic h
on food; i) The declaration should also r400gni.z. the objective of 4
food polio.including increasing food produ ion, improving consumption
ensuring a4iquat. food security and stress t these were all aspects
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
bati
was nO
lnsios
etio,
Conference,
ent ofAhe
?
ed,
in
ing
sed te
te fora.
ions
ntn of
of f-
rights
world
and
f an
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
- 27 -
integrated whole; (iii) It should Proclaim the determination of government* to
work together to raise food production in developing countries laying stress on
the provision of necessary inputs, to establish a system of" World Food SeourttY,
to improve the distribution of food and combat the-soo *WS of hanger and mal-
nutrition, and to faoilitate the expansion of trade of developing countries.
(3) The Working Group suggested that the draft Declaration on the
Eradication of Hunger, eubmitted by Feral together with the comments of other
delegations, should he used by the Secretariat for preparing a draft declaration
for consideration at the Conference. A draft declaration prepared by the
Secretariat is attached to this report.
(4) The Working Group also agreed that the Report of the Meeting of interested
delegations constituted a very useful step in achieving a broad consensus on certain
objectives and principles and that a summary of the report of this meeting as
presented by its, Chairman will be incorporated in the report of the Committee.
(5) The Working Group agreed that the areas for priority action for which
snecifio resolutions would be appropriate were well covered by the suggested
list of key points made by the Seoretarr-General in his statement at the 33rd
meeting of the Preparatory Committee on 30 September 1974. There was broad
agreement that these .suggested points offered a good basis for the resolutions,
and the Working Group had a general discussion on the draft resolutions prepared
by the Secretariat (attached to this report) on each. of the ten points identified
by the Secretary-General and taking into account the ?comments made by various
delegations.
(6) In its discussions of item (b) of its terms of reference, the Working
Group agreed to suggest certain basic principles: (9 follow-up action to the
nf
decisions of the Ooerence should be effective; (ii) maximum efforts should be
made to strengthen and reinforce existing inetitutione in this areal but at the
same time governments should keep an open mind on the establishment of new inter-
national machinery if there was strong justification for such machinery;
(iii) high Priority should be given to actions designed to increase the flow of
resourcee for increasing food production in developing countries; (iv) the
need for integrated approach in tackling various aspects of the world food
problem.
(7) In the light of these principles, the Group examined various concrete
proposals submitted to the Preparatory Committee, including:
(s) World Fertiliser Fund, proposed by Sri Lanka and ESCO (E/C0W.65/4,
pares 668-671)
(b) World Bank of rood, Agricultural Inputs Supply and Research,
proposed by Mexico (Annex I)
) Agricultural Develftelent Fund, proposed by Sierra Leone on behalf
of the African Group (E/CO1IF.65/4, pare 674)
(d)
Voriti Food Security Council, World Food Bank and International
Agricultural Development hind Or Bank, pigivellied by Bahgladesh
(0100?65/41 *II, 675-677)
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No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/05/10: LOC-HAK-408-6-4-8
28 -
Establiehment o
Situation, propo
,.(f) Otter proposals
Philippines, Indi
World Nide Info tion,Syetem on Food
by Japan (Annex-/I).
Secretariat
tioned by delega es of Federal 1eliWai0 Of
and the ,Netherl s (Annexes 'III to VI);
s in Chapter 20 of the "Action" document.
(8) After a general-di cussion of the bsic'elements of thesz pro
Group -reach.* a broad ' maatire of understanding on the following OoMmon as
the follow ...0P action:
The establishment
information end e
on'the food eituat
The creation of ,e
Seaurity at the e
X efteotiVe int
grasige0.-*
The creation of
of existing and n
deVeloping oouniri
agricultural inve
private 'foreign in
Mare ,effective foI
agricultural rose
Ned for An overal
continuing ettenti
implementation of
nitrition and food
(9) The Group strongli
resources devoted to the in
countries, and for this purpo
arrangements, which might bus
that would lead to a signifi
obennele. The Group felt tha
ooneultationtbefore or:durin
(0)
(r)
95. At the 40th meeting on
the Working Group.
-
96. The Pr story Committ
declaration ($ra. 94