UN/ FAO FAMILY FARMING LAUNCH

The United Nations launched the 2014 International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) to stress the vast potential family farmers have to eradicate hunger and preserve natural resources. UNTV/ FAO

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:02:28
• Production Date: 22 November 2013
• Asset Language: Original
• Corporate Name: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION - FAO
• Subject Topical: AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; FISHING; AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS; AGRICULTURAL POLICY; RURAL SOCIOLOGY; AGRICULTURE; ENGINEERING; EDUCATION; FOOD INDUSTRY; NUTRITION
• MAMS Id: U131122d

Description

STORY: UN/ FAO FAMILY FARMING LAUNCH
TRT: 2.28
SOURCE: UNTV
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 22 NOVEMBER 2013, NEW YORK CITY

Shotlist

RECENT, NEW YORK CITY

1. Wide shot, exterior United Nations Headquarters, North Lawn Building

22 NOVEMBER 2013, NEW YORK CITY

2. Wide shot, dais
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim McLay, Chairman of the International Year of Family Farming:
“Whatever the starting point of a family farm, whatever stage of development a country has attained, successful and sustainable development of family farms requires conducive policies, knowledge and education, technical support and the development of synergies with broader processes and fora. And so, right at this time when we are discussing the post-2015 development agenda, this international year will give us the opportunity to explore the place of family farming in our collective sustainable future.”
4. Med shot, delegate
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jim McLay, Chairman of the International Year of Family Farming:
“It is estimated that globally there are two-and-a-half billion family farmers; two-and-one-half billion family farmers. And it is through this international year that we can focus on their challenges and opportunities, and on the major contribution that they will make to the post-2015 development agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the great global achievements of the past generation is the increasing ability to feed itself, an achievement in which family farms have played critical role.”
6. Med shot, delegate
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Simona Miculescu, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations:
“Nobody knows better than family farmers that the well-being of the planet is inextricably linked with the well being well-being of its inhabitants. As producers of about 70 percent of the food in developing countries, family farmers are essential actors in our global fight against hunger and malnutrition. They sustain local economies by generating income and creating jobs. They manage and conserve natural resources and they safeguard our biodiversity through the cultivation and preservation of traditional crops.”
8. Wide shot, dais

25 SEPTEMBER – 2 OCTOBER, NEAR BUNGOMA, WESTERN KENYA

9.Various shots, family farmers

Storyline

The United Nations today (22 November) launched the 2014 International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) to stress the vast potential family farmers have to eradicate hunger and preserve natural resources.

At launch event in New York, the IYFF Chairman, Jim C, told delegates that “successful and sustainable development of family farms requires conducive policies, knowledge and education, technical support and the development of synergies with broader processes and fora.”

Jim McLay noted that there are 2.5 billion family farmers in the world and said that “through this international year that we can focus on their challenges and opportunities, and on the major contribution that they will make to the post-2015 development agenda.”

In both developed and developing countries, over 500 million family farms, defined as farms that rely primarily on family members for labour and management, produce the food that feeds billions of people. In many developing countries family farms represent up to 80 percent of all farm holdings.

Speaking on behalf of General Assembly President John W. Ashe, Ambassador Simona Miculescu of Romania said that “as producers of about 70 percent of the food in developing countries, family farmers are essential actors in our global fight against hunger and malnutrition.”

The International Year aims to raise the profile of family and smallholder farming by focusing world attention on its significant role in alleviating hunger and poverty, providing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development, in particular in rural areas.

The year will promote broad discussion and cooperation at the national, regional and global levels to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by smallholders and help identify efficient ways to support family farmers.