Borlaug Seminar at AGLS 129 Houston February, 2016

Transcription

1 Borlaug Seminar at AGLS 129 Houston February, 2016 Share some ideas based on our vision of IICA This presentation will focus on three main issues: 1. The principal challenges facing agriculture 2. Innovation in agriculture as an essential tool for instituting the new paradigm, and 3. IICA s role in light of the new paradigm 1

2 What are the main challenges currently faced by agriculture? 1. How are we to feed humanity in the future? 2. How are we to do it sustainably, without damaging natural resources and given the prospect of greater climate changes? 3. How can we make agriculture a good business for all producers? 4. Lastly; how can we help make agriculture more productive, sustainable and inclusive? 2

3 Food security and population growth The period saw a very rapid increase in the world s population, which grew from just over 2.5 billion to nearly 7 billion. In other words, it grew 2.7 times in only 60 years, an increase that is unprecedented in the history of humanity. 3

4 According to the UN, the world s population will reach 8.5 billion in 2030 (in 15 years time) and 9.7 billion by The biggest concerns are that: Most of the growth will occur in developing countries. The countries that are already facing food security problems today. 4

5 It is worth asking ourselves: Can agriculture as we practice it today feed this burgeoning population and ensure the preservation of natural resources? It should also be noted that: The middle class will also double by 2022 (in only 7 years) The impact on food consumption will be enormous and will be accompanied by dramatic changes in eating habits. We should see this growth of the middle class as an opportunity for our agricultural exports, and also for the development of our markets. 5

6 The following is a very clear example of the impact of the change in consumption habits: During the last decade, meat consumption in developing countries grew 34% (38 MT), compared to a 2% increase in developed countries (1.6 MT). The demand for meat has also fueled an increase in the demand for animal feed such as grains (corn, soybeans, sorghum), protein-rich forage and fodder. The market and the demand are driving the production of grains to feed animals. Which also competes with the production of grains for human consumption. 6

7 While the demand for agricultural products continues to grow, production and raw materials are not growing at the same rate. Why?. 1. Reduction in the amount of natural resources available per inhabitant. (¼ of surface area available in 1960). 7

8 2. There are major asymmetries in agricultural production between countries, and there are net food-importing countries. 3. The yields of most crops have risen at lower rates (soybean is the exception) as there are genetic and physiological thresholds that limit production. 4. The impact of climate change. 8

9 The big challenge: How are we to achieve sustainable agriculture also suited to the new climate conditions we will face? Our region has great potential but we also face major challenges Less water for agriculture and its availability is difficult to predict (rainfed agriculture) Need for water 9

10 Deforestation Loss of soil cover and erosion The effects of climate change will increase the risks for agriculture 10

11 THE CROPS MOST AFFECTED WILL BE: Corn, Soybeans, Rice, and Wheat. Countries most affected: Brazil and Argentina. Less affected: Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. There will be a positive impact on rice productivity. Coffee Emergence of diseases. Restructuring of production areas. Fruits Impact more severe than on commodities. Changes in growth and flowering seasons. Change in land use. Increase in outbreaks of pests and diseases, droughts, extreme temperatures, etc. 11

12 Agriculture should be a good business (profitable activity) for farmers To make agriculture a more productive activity for all producers (more inclusive), we need to add value, diversify, and promote family farming. Also, Avoiding disincentives to production, such as high energy costs, high input prices, uncertainty, erratic policies, etc. 12

13 The final challenge: How can we help make agriculture more sustainable? The region needs to produce more food on the same amount of land, and with less water. To achieve that, we must implement good agricultural practices, including 13

14 Efficient water management Soil conservation Reduction in methane gas and CO 2 emissions Reduction in the use of agrochemicals and machinery Agroforestry, IPM, direct seeding, etc. 14

15 Innovation is essential to bring about the big change in agriculture (The new paradigm) Technology is essential to meet future demand, so we need more investment in research, human resource training, extension, and technology transfer. We need to tap into traditional technologies and apply them with the new technologies. Develop and adapt technologies appropriate for each region. 15

16 THE CHALLENGE WE FACE We need to increase agricultural production by at least 70% by 2050, and it must be sustainable. How are we to do this? Yields must be increased and post-harvest losses prevented. (Produce more on the same amount of land). The gap must be bridged with technology and innovation. All technologies are important and necessary, from traditional (conventional) ones to biotechnology. 16

17 AT IICA 1. We are aware of the need for the change of paradigm. 2. The world s agriculture has changed in the last 13 years. We need to construct a new paradigm. 3. We cannot address new problems with the tools of the past. 4. We must contribute to this change, respecting the sovereign decisions of the countries and affording access to knowledge and solutions. 17

18 IICA is also changing. We are relaunching IICA. Results-based MTP. (A Single IICA) With transparent mechanisms for accountability and the evaluation of results. The big change, moving from a programmatic structure to a project-based structure. 18

19 Flagship Projects: 1. Competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural chains 2. Inclusion in agriculture and rural territories 3. Resilience and comprehensive risk management in agriculture 4. Productivity and sustainability of family farming for food security and the rural economy 5. Animal and Plant Health and Food Safety 19

20 Other institutional mechanisms for technical cooperation: Rapid response actions FONTC Externally funded projects Strategic alliances with countries and other partners (World Food Programme, IFPRI, IDB, Research institutes at the PROCIs, etc.) 20

21 The future of agriculture lies in modernizing and adapting to the new challenges We need to produce professionals with new visions, skills, and capacities. Rural professionals need to be reappraised. The region has the great opportunity to spearhead this new agricultural revolution and benefit from it. We have never had a better opportunity. 21