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The Director General of the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization highlighted the important role agricultural co-operatives play in food security and fighting poverty last week.
At the Co-operatives United Opening Ceremony, José Graziano da Silva said co-ops deserve a worldwide recognition for their contribution to building a better world.
He told delegates: “Anywhere in the world, co-operatives follow core values and principles that are critical to doing business in an equitable manner; that seek to empower and benefit its members and the community it is inserted in.
“This is especially relevant in poor rural communities, where joining forces is central to promoting sustainable local development.
“In the case of agriculture, you help small and medium-scale farmers, fisher folk and others add value to their production, and gain access to local and global markets.
“You open doors for small and medium producers that, otherwise, would remain closed. There is no other way forward for small-scale producers than organizing themselves in co-operatives and other forms of farmer associations."
Mr Graziano da Silva also highlighted how co-operatives are “an excellent tool for social and economic development”. He said: “Whether you are in the UK, Brazil, Kenya, Thailand or Nepal, co-operatives help to generate employment, boost national economies and reduce poverty.”
He said these are the reasons why the FAO themed this year’s World Food Day (October 16) as “Agricultural co-operatives, key to feeding the world”.
The FAO Director General said that although recent figures revealed by the organisation show that the world has made progress in terms of food security and the number of people in hunger has decreased, improvements are still needed.
According to Mr Graziano da Silva, the objective of the FAO is ‘Zero Hunger’: “Co-ops are already helping us to improve food security but we can do much more,” he said. "The FAO has embraced this challenge. I urge the co-operative movement to do the same. We can together defeat hunger if we join our forces: private sector, pharmacies, co-ops, governments, international organisations.”
He concluded by backing the thoughts of Roberto Rodrigues, one of the FAO’s Special Ambassadors for Cooperatives and a former ICA President, who recently said the co-operative movement should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mr Graziano da Silva added: “I say, given your contribution to economic and social development, your one billion members worldwide, and the ethos that guides your work, this certainly is an idea worth considering!”
Picture: Director-General Charles Gould with José Graziano da Silva holding the ICA's IYC Book - Building A Better World. To purchase the book, visit the ICA Shop.
