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Finnish know-how for better food security

maa- ja metsätalousministeriö
Publication date 6.11.2015 14.37
Press release

Over the years global food production has increased to the extent that there would be enough nutrition for all the people of the world. Yet, almost 800 million people still suffer from chronic malnutrition.

– There is no simple way to achieve global food security, but comprehensive and consistent action is needed. This was the message of Minister of Agriculture and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen in the opening speech of the World Food Day Seminar.

Minister Tiilikainen stressed the importance of food, water and energy security in the Finnish development policy, also in the future. He reminded that the global trends are directly reflected in our national challenges as well.

– The new Finnish development policy highlights the role of the private sector more than before. Finnish know-how on the food chain and technologies has lots of opportunities to join in the work for better global food security.

Functioning food systems are the key

Functioning food systems are a condition for all sustainable development. Hunger and food insecurity stem from multiple causes which cannot be removed simply by increasing agricultural production. Besides this, sustainable and responsible distribution systems are needed to achieve food security.

The choices and behaviour of individual consumers have a major role, for example, in reducing food loss. In addition, social welfare actions designed for particular local conditions may also be needed. As a good example of this Minister Tiilikainen mentioned the free school meals offered in Finland already since 1948, which are to be considered one of the great achievements of the Finnish society and also a factor behind the good success of our school system.

– Food security is a vital sustainable development goal, and many other goals are also directly linked to food security, Minister Tiilikainen reminds.

At the UN General Assembly in September 17 new Sustainable Development Goals were adopted. This year the Food Day also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the UN Agriculture and Food Organization FAO, established after the Second World War to resolve the global shortage of food.

Inquiries:
Jukka-Pekka Kataja, Special Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 2951 62476
Aulikki Hulmi, Director for International Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 2951 62113

Kimmo Tiilikainen Ruoka ja maatalous