FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2015
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON (October 16, 2015) – National Farmers Union (NFU) today joined the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the international community in celebrating World Food Day. NFU President Roger Johnson highlighted the importance of family farmers, including women, in eradicating hunger and poverty, noting that climate change must be addressed in tandem with promotion of sustainability and security in the food system.
“World Food Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize the incredibly important role family farmers, including women, play in feeding the hungry and promoting sustainability in the food system,” said Johnson. “As world leaders come together to ensure everyone has access to safe and nutritional food, climate change mitigation and adaptation must also be top priorities.”
Johnson noted that climate change is the biggest threat to global food security, and that if the international community hopes to eradicate world hunger, it must give agriculture a seat at the table.
“Agriculture must be included in the global climate change debate,” said Johnson. “Family farmers and ranchers are already experiencing the weather volatility, soil erosion and fewer workable days associated with climate change, and stand ready to help mitigate this growing problem.”
Johnson especially noted the important role women play in shaping the future of both agriculture and global food security and sustainability.
“Women in agriculture around the world face barriers to land ownership, credit and markets not faced by their male counterparts,” said Johnson. “If we want to address world hunger and food security in a meaningful way, women must be given the same opportunities as men and have a stronger voice in the conversation.”
For further information on World Food Day, please visit http://www.fao.org/world-food-day/home/en/.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
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