panel session asean and agriculture synthesis of discussions 4 october 2005

Panel sessionASEAN and agriculture

Synthesis of discussions

4 October 2005

ASEAN agri policies and programs

• General objective : manage agri sector efficiently

• Specific objective: enhance food security and global competitiveness

• ASEAN’s sectors of cooperation/program areas

• 7priority areas

Asean agri policies and programs

• Food security reserve board-put up rice emergency reserve-the board report every year to the AMAF; inform on the supply and demand status; serves as early warning system-chairperson is from Myanmar/Burma

• On pesticide monitoring-there is a working group to inform re pesticide utilization-monitoring and regulation done at country level through pesticide boards; standards have been set (CODEX)

• On sustainable agriculture-no ASEAN specific project

Issues and concerns

• Poverty prevalent in rural areas in Asia

- lack of access and control of resources

• Concerns about sustainable agriculture-marketing system and market access-access to quality input, training-aging farmer population-unfavorable policies

Proposals to ASEAN

• Discuss producers’ access to land and resources and include in ASEN provisions/charter

• Mainstream sustainable agricultural policies and practices

• Regular consultations with representatives from civil society and farmers’ groups ( similar to UN)

• Extend invitations to CSO reps/farmer leaders as input speakers in ASEAN meetings

• Utilize CSOs in policy research and analysis

Civil society action points

• Active participation of CSO reps/farmer leaders in policy deliberations and decision-making

• Disseminate ASEAN policies and programs and in providing feedback

• Research and documentation of sustainable agricultural practices and impact of ASEAN policies and programs in agriculture

Some entry points

• Some NGOs invited in AMAF meetings; ASEAN can make guidelines to invite CSOs, but then up to national governments who to invite

• Re: joint approaches – depend on issues , concerned countries form a joint committee