Food Security is National Security

The devastating impact of natural disasters and climate extremes in recent years has exposed the fragility of our global food system, and the fact that food security is inextricably linked to national security.

That was the key message delivered by Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the UK Crop Protection Association, at the Informex International Chemical Industry conference in New Orleans last week.

Speaking in a city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Mr Dyer said:"No one in New Orleans needs to be reminded of how natural disasters can lead to a rapid collapse in the infrastructure and services which support large urban populations. When the levees and flood defences protecting New Orleans broke on the night of 30 August 2005, they unleashed a wall of water which destroyed large parts of this city killing over 1,000 people and leaving thousands more with no fresh water or food supplies."

"Since the devastation of New Orleans in 2005, we have seen many other natural disasters including heat waves in Russia, droughts in Africa and Australia, flooding in Pakistan and the Japanese Tsunami, all of which have contributed to food shortages and rising food prices."

"The knock-on effects of such disasters - including famine, food riots and mass migration - serve as a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent about the security of our food supply systems," he warned.

"In a world of rapid population growth and increasing urbanisation, we need all the tools at our disposal - including access to the most advanced agricultural technologies and practices - to increase our food production capabilities.

"We must put in place policies not only to meet the rising demand for food but also to address the many food-related threats posed by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, terrorism and conflict."

"It is increasingly clear that food security is also national security when it comes to dealing with these threats, and Governments around the world must rise to this challenge," concluded Mr Dyer.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Dominic Dyer, Crop Protection Association

T: 01733 355372M: 07515 298771

E: dominic@cropprotection.org.uk

W: www.cropprotection.org.uk

Issued by:Daniel Pearsall, Front Foot Communications

T: 01487 831425E: daniel.pearsall@frontfoot.uk.com

The Crop Protection Association (CPA) represents members active in the manufacture, formulation and supply of crop protection products for use in the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, home gardening and amenity sectors.

CPA is committed to promoting the key role of modern plant science in safeguarding our food supply, protecting our environment and improving our quality of life.