The National Farmers Union (NFU) is backing a declaration on feeding the growing world population in a sustainable way. This NFU news release says the group backs the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) General Assembly’s pronouncement on the need to produce a food supply sufficient for the 9.2 billion people who will inhabit our planet in 2050 in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious way.
“American family farmers and ranchers play a tremendous role in both addressing global food security needs and properly stewarding the land for a cleaner, safer environment for future generations,” said National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson. “NFU thanks the Farmers Union delegation and the WFO for producing a declaration that ensures the farmers’ perspective is considered in the global conversation on food production and protecting the environment.”
The Farmers’ Declaration is meant to ensure the farmers’ perspective will be represented at Expo Milano 2015, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” a six-month, universal exhibition focused on being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the planet and its equilibrium.
“We, farmers of the world, men, women and youth, taking care of small, medium and large-scale farms and cooperatives, recognize that Agriculture, including crops, horticulture, feedstock, livestock, breeding, fisheries and forestry, is at the heart of sustainable development,” states the declaration. “Farmers feed the planet, producing Energy for Life, transportation and heat and are integral to support sustainable development, globally. However, we also feel humble facing the responsibilities that come with the tasks of feeding the world and caring for the earth.”
Dave Velde, NFU vice president of international relations, Mark Watne, North Dakota Farmers Union president, and Robert Carlson, former North Dakota Farmers Union president and first president of the WFO made up the NFU delegation.