In April experts discussed the role of the private sector in global agricultural value chains as part of the Dupont Agricultural Development Roundtable Series hosted by the International Food Policy Research Institute. The discussion can be viewed here. http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/improving-global-food-security-r-analysis-528272
Land O’Lakes Sponsors 25th Annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum
President and CEO of multinational company Land O’ Lakes will sponsor the 25th Annual Nobel Peace Prize forum, where they will discuss the need for innovation and partnership in achieving sustainable food systems globally. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/land-olakes-sponsors-25th-annual-nobel-peace-prize-forum-194795691.html
Fighting Post-Harvest Loss
At a recent State Department forum event, when asked why reduction projects aren’t operating up to scale, panelists answered there is a lack of attention and a lack of money. Discussions included the need for more private incentives. http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/20610/
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 […]
Morgan Stanley, IFC Invests $7.5 million To Boost Food Security
Morgan Stanley and the International Finance Corporation announced they will invest $7.5 million in a new Africa-based company, Eleni LLC, to develop agricultural commodity exchanges across Africa. Farmers will have more access to finance and price information with improved exchange networks. http://www.ventures-africa.com/2013/01/morgan-stanley-ifc-invests-7-5-million-to-boost-food-security/
Global InItIatIve on Food Losses and Waste ReductIon
The opportunity to solve postharvest loss issues lies among various stakeholders. Governments can provide better storage and infrastructure, businesses advanced technologies and improved supply chains, and researchers knowledge and information that is both accessible and appropriate to farmers of all types. These opportunities also present challenges, however. The postharvest loss stakeholder network faces obstacles with […]
USAID Mobilizes Record Amount of Private Capital to Support Small Businesses in Developing Countries
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) worked with 23 countries in 2012 to unlock up to US$525 million in private capital to go to “underserved entrepeneurs”. US$219 million will go towards agriculture and food security initiatives, and US$215 million for small enterprises. http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/usaid-mobilizes-record-amount-private-capital-support-small?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRouu6%2FMZKXonjHpfsX86%2BwrXqO1lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4FSspmI%2FqLAzICFpZo2FFcH%2FaQZA%3D%3D
Nigeria: AfDB Lends Nation U.S.$650 Million for Agric Development
The African Development Bank is lending Nigeria US$650 million to support the country’s agricultural value chain. Small and medium size enterprises will be targeted with plans to develop infrastructure that will better connect farmers, markets, and processing centers. http://allafrica.com/stories/201212050534.html?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRohs6%2FPZKXonjHpfsX76u0tUKW3lMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4FScFhI%2FqLAzICFpZo2FFcH%2FaQZA%3D%3D
A $100 Billion Opportunity: Investing in Climate Adaptation
The Global Adaptation Institute (GAIN) recently developed an index that assesses country readiness for various types of investments from public and private sectors. CEO Jose Daboub expects the index to help investors make decisions towards both business and social responsbility goals. Read more about why the index will be useful and to whom in a […]
Govt Looks at Changing Long-Term Grain Procurement Policy
The Indian government now procures over 35% of the country’s marketable surplus grain, up from past levels of 25-30%. Given the strains on subsidies, storage capacity, and private retail markets, officials are beginning to craft long-term adjustments to the current open-ended policy. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-looks-at-changing-long-term-grain-procurement-policy/491888/