Panel on private investment in the food and agriculture sectors

High-level panel at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture

18 January 2013 - Berlin, Germany

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>> Read press release - 18 January 2013

>> Read Ministers' communiqué -19 January 2013

As the demand for food grows and land and water become scarcer, private investment is essential if agriculture is to fulfill its function of contributing to economic development, poverty reduction and food security.

As part of the 2013 Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the OECD organised a high-level panel that considered the conditions and impacts of private investment in the food and agriculture sectors. The panel brought together high-level officials from OECD, emerging and developing countries as well as representatives from the private sector and international organisations. The conclusions of the panel fed into the discussions of the Agriculture Ministers’ Summit held on 19 January 2013.

Objectives of the panel:

This panel considered the conditions required to create an attractive environment for private investment in the food and agriculture sectors, and to ensure that such investment brings economic and social benefits to host countries.

Issues discussed:

What are the main constraints faced by private investors in the food and agriculture sectors?
What policy issues need to be addressed to attract further private investment in these sectors?
What mechanisms should be in place to maximise benefits for host countries and to ensure that private investment effectively contribute to sustainable economic development and food security?

Panelists:

Mr. Louxon S. Kazabu, Hon. Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Zambia
Dr. Bui Ba Bong, Hon. Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural development of Vietnam
Mr. Detlef Schoen, Managing partner, Aquila Capital Farms
Mr. Christoph Wigger, Vice President, Sales and marketing for Europe, CIS, North Africa and Middle East, John Deere

Moderated by Mr. Karim Dahou, Executive Manager, Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, OECD