Archive | February, 2013

Grain Supplies Still Not Secure

Government officials report that China loses nearly 55 million tons of grain each year due to inadequate storage and transportation. Losses pose a serious threat to foodgrain security, despite large bumper harvests. Head of the State Administration of Grain said that due to rapid urbanization, reducing loss is “as important as protecting arable land”. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90882/8133568.html […]

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FAO, IFAD Sign Agreement to Promote Smallholder Financing

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Fund for Agricultural Development agreed to commit $875,000 to help improve smallholder farmer access to finance. The grant will generate policy tools and training materials for stakeholders to use in making credit more accessible. Gained knowledge will be shared on an open source platform. http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/169727/icode/

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Study: Postharvest Projects Most Viable Livelihood

A recent World Bank quality review study concluded that postharvest facilities are the most successful livelihood projects in the Philippines. As compared to livestock or fishery projects, postharvest facilities add more value and provide farmers with immediate income. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2013/02/17/study-postharvest-projects-most-viable-livelihood-268741

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Remarks on Preventing Postharvest Loss

Senior-level government officials emphasized the need to reduce postharvest loss to achieve global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. The Department of State hosted a forum dedicated to finding cross-sector solutions to postharvest loss. Assistant Secretary of the Economics and Business Affairs Bureau said in his opening remarks that there is “no silver bullet […]

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World Bank Study: Pre-, Post-Harvest Projects Most Feasible for Farmers

A recent World Bank quality review study concluded that postharvest facilities are the most successful livelihood projects in the Philippines. As compared to livestock or fishery projects, postharvest facilities add more value and provide farmers with immediate income. http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/business/agri-commodities/9263-world-bank-study-pre-post-harvest-projects-most-feasible-for-farmers

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China Says Grain Supply Not Secure

Government officials report that China loses nearly 55 million tons of grain each year due to inadequate storage and transportation. Losses pose a serious threat to foodgrain security, despite large bumper harvests. Head of the State Administration of Grain said that due to rapid urbanization, reducing loss is “as important as protecting arable land”. http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2013/02/19/China-says-grain-supply-not-secure/UPI-96611361268556/

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GFFA Expert Panel “Reducing Post-Harvest-Losses Means Conserving Natural Resources and Saving Money”

A panel focused on reducing postharvest loss in Berlin’s Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, concluded that “reducing postharvest losses can only be achieved by setting up a conceptual framework addressing main actors in the value-adding chain”. Experts from FAO, CAADP, ICIPE, and others attended the forum. http://www.rural21.com/english/from-our-partners/detail/article/gffa-expert-panel-reducing-post-harvest-losses-means-conserving-natural-resources-and-saving-mone/

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Waste Less to Feed More

Senior-level government officials emphasized the need to reduce postharvest loss to achieve global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. The Department of State hosted a forum dedicated to finding cross-sector solutions to postharvest loss. Assistant Secretary of the Economics and Business Affairs Bureau said in his opening remarks that there is “no silver bullet […]

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Principles and Practice for Resilience, Food Security and Nutrition

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture gives six suggestions on how to ensure the effectiveness of future development work, particularly focusing on food security. Relevant suggestions include using best measurement and monitoring practices and targeting evidence-based interventions. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ertharin-cousin/global-food-security_b_2546075.html

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Food & International Security: Wasted

One UK academic claims there are strong links between potential water wars, land-grabbing, and postharvest loss. He argues food loss must be treated as a geopolitical issue, and that there needs to be more scientific research, funding, policy support, and awareness of PHL. http://theriskyshift.com/2013/02/food-international-security-wasted/

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