26/03/2010 - The First Meeting of BRIC Ministers of Agriculture and Agrarian Development

Moscow Declaration of BRIC Agriculture and Agrarian Development Ministers

The joint ministerial statement of BRIC countries on the global food security, adopted at the Summit in Yekaterinburg (Russia) on June 16th 2009, considered the issue of global food security and resolved to address the problem of food production and hunger without delay in a comprehensive manner through resolute action by governments and relevant international agencies.

We, the Ministers of Agriculture of the BRIC countries first met in Moscow (Russian Federation) on March 26th 2010 and agreed on broad contours of quadrilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector with particular attention to family farming, the development of which will not only help long-term interests of the four states but contribute towards global food security.

Reiterating our support to the initiatives taken at international level such as World Food Summit in Rome, we intend to develop effective and comprehensive measures for development of agriculture in BRIC countries through close cooperation and coordination in the field of agriculture and allied activities.

Realizing the need for ensuring food security at the global level and addressing the challenge of ensuring stable and sufficient production of basic food grains, to raise living standard, to provide steady and inclusive development of rural areas, to increase efficiency of small and medium sized agro-industrial units and productivity of family farms, there is a need for more intensive cooperation among BRIC countries through the exchange of experience, coordinated action and implementation of joint projects wherever possible and in the interest of the four countries.

Ensuring food security requires a well-functioning world market and trade system for food and agriculture based on the principles of fairness and non-discrimination. In this regard, it is of paramount importance to accelerate the Doha round of talks at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

In order to realize the broad objectives mentioned above the following areas of cooperation are to be considered as priorities.

1. Creation of agricultural information base system of the BRIC countries

Having a general information based on balances of production and consumption of agricultural products, population growth will facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the condition of food security in the BRIC countries which is considered very important for the solution of problem of food security and help in coordinated approach on formation of national grain reserves taking into account a global picture of food supply.

2. Development of a general strategy for ensuring access to food for the most vulnerable population

42 % of world’s population is living in BRIC countries. A substantial percentage of this population belongs to vulnerable groups that require State support for ensuring food security. Therefore, development of a strategy by BRIC countries in the area of food security for vulnerable population assumes great importance. Exchange of experience in the area of food producing and public purchasing systems for distribution and food assistance to vulnerable population and victims of natural calamities becomes important and imperative.

3. Reduction of negative impact of climate change on food security and adaptation of agriculture to climatic changes

Of all the sectors of economy the agrarian sector is the most vulnerable to climatic changes. In order to counter this negative impact, there is a need to develop cooperation through comprehensive adaptive measures, including exchange of experience, best practices and public policies.

At the same time, we urge the international community to promptly establish effective technology transfer and dissemination mechanism, facilitate technology sharing, and ensure that the developing countries can afford environment friendly technologies in accordance with principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. In this context we call upon the developed countries to offer technical and financial assistance on climate change to developing countries, while developing countries to actively take all measures to promote sustainable growth and make their due contribution to counter climate change.

4. Enhance agricultural technology cooperation and innovation

Advancing agricultural research and technology constitute an important way to ensure food security. BRIC countries are distinct from yet complementary with each other in agricultural research and development. We shall take active measures toestablish stable, long-term, efficient and effective cooperation and exchange mechanism on agricultural research.

For implementation of measures collectively agreed we have decided to set up a standing Expert working group, which will meet on regular basis, including through video conference.

The Expert working group will prepare specific proposals and report to BRIC Agricultural Ministers on implementation of issues outlined in this declaration.

The next meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the BRIC countries to be organized in 2011.