Belfast 2008
Resolution on food prices
Congress notes with concern the rapid rise in agricultural commodity prices worldwide and the disproportionate effect this is having on the poor, particularly in the developing world. However, Congress is also concerned that the response to increasing the supply of agricultural commodities is already threatening important carbon sinks as well as biodiversity and that sustainable solutions are required.
Congress believes that a significant part of the problem is a result of a combination of lack of action and inappropriate policies by governments in both developed and developing nations and that neither security nor sustainability of food supplies can be ignored.
Congress recognises that:
part of this price rise is due to the abandonment of export subsidies by the developed world and that price levels below the cost of production were unsustainable in the long term.
much of the recent price rise has been due to increased demand driven by a change of diet in many developing nations as a direct result of increased wealth.
production costs have also risen due largely to the increase in energy prices and the resultant rise in fertiliser prices.
much of the price rise is due to poor harvests across the world limiting supply.
concerns about climate change and fuel security have led to an increase in the use of agricultural land for non-food purposes.
export subsidies have damaged the agricultural industries in developing and export orientated nations and left them less able to respond to current shortages.
Congress therefore calls for Liberal International’s member parties to press at both national and international level for:
An end to the trade-distorting biofuels subsidy for maize in the USA.
An immediate end to set aside in the EU, as proposed by the current CAP “Health Check”.
