The briefing session, held on October 16, 2008, focused on the impact of rising food prices on ACP countries, highlighting the dual crisis of food and fuel exacerbated by climate change. Experts emphasized the urgent need for significant investment in agriculture and support systems to revive neglected agricultural sectors, particularly in Africa. The event aimed to foster discussion and share strategies among policymakers and stakeholders to address food insecurity and promote resilience among vulnerable populations.

1. Brussels Rural Development Briefings A series of meetings on ACP-EU development issues Briefing session n° 7: Rising Food Prices: an opportunity for change? Brussels, 16 th October 2008 8h30 – 12h30 http://brusselsbriefings.net Co 2 offset through

2. Rising Food Prices: an opportunity for change? Introductory remarks Dr Hansjörg Neun, Director of CTA Prof. Lluis Riera, Director, DG Development, European Commission Sir John Kaputin, Secretary General of the ACP Secretariat Jacques Diouf, Director -General FAO from Rome Programme and Objectives of the Meeting, Ms Isolina Boto, CTA Co 2 offset through

3. Context – Alarming signs for ACP The world food prices have doubled in the past 3 years, while witnessing alarming peaks A lthough more cereal per capita is produced, some one billion people can no longer afford it Competition between food and fuel and combined effects of climate We face a global fuel, food and financial crisis and financial crash could deepen food crisis Will support measures/safety be in place?

4. Context – New threats According to FAO, countries most affected, especially in Africa, will need at least a total of US$1.7 billion to start reviving agricultural systems that have been neglected for several decades. And this amount is just for immediate and short term measures during 2008-2009. Will funding follow?

5. New Opportunities? Reversing the decades-long decline in investment in agriculture Pushing for investment in agriculture and irrigation, access to technology and well-functioning marketing and credit systems Strengthening the key role of information and cooperation related to food and markets Will political will follow?

6. Objectives of this Briefing To raise awareness on key challenges To promote exchange of information and expertise To feed in the debate on food crisis by bringing various perspectives

7. Programme Panel 1: Rising food prices: trends and impacts What are the causes, trends and impacts of the food prices crisis with a special focus on ACP countries and on the small-scale farmers. What are the immediate actions taken or needed to respond to the most urgent needs?

8. Panel 2: Food for all: achieving a long term resiliency What are the best policy options and actions at international, regional and national level for the medium and long term to ensure food security for the most vulnerable households and market stability for ACP economies?

9. Target group 145 ACP-EU policy makers, representatives of EU and ACP Member States, European Parliament, civil society groups, researchers and development practitioners, international organisations based in Brussels.

10. Participants

11. Inputs/Outputs A Reader/Resources on Food crisis Summary of key issues Documents available online Websites Acronyms Glossary … To be complemented and further developed

12. Online resources Read presentations, consult documents, listen to interviews, view videos, make comments before, during and after the meetings at: http://brusselsbriefings.net/ (English) http://bruxellesbriefings.net (French)