Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “We are supporting those who work on a daily basis to meet the basic food needs of all people. Here at the FAO, there is a lack of personnel. The staff number has been lowering for years now. However, we cannot take sufficient steps forward if these institutions are not supported financially, as well.” These are the words with which Monsignor Renator Volante, Permanent Observer to the Holy See at the UN organizations for food and agriculture (FAO, IFAD, WFP), described the current situation to Agenzia Fides.
“We need to examine the words and declarations with facts. The declarations are noteworthy and important. However, the problem of hunger is the most evident. When a person is hungry, the signs are clear and evident. There is little room for discussion or philosophizing. No one has the perfect solution, which is why the programs that fight hunger are fundamental for improving the conditions of the poor.”
“The Holy See, through my presence, has the role of a mere observer, however it is highly appreciated and considered in its interventions, because it seeks the good of the people and works alongside these great international organizations, to make its own contribution to the reflection and support. We find dialogue and discussion of great importance, precisely because the instruments for fighting hunger, and those regarding agriculture, are determined by natural factors, always unpredictable but certain. We can try taking certain measures, making interventions, for example in cultivation, seeds, special or new techniques, but then there are the facts that support or negate the concrete choice of action. Or the food increases, or we have to change strategies. The children with a bloated stomach from malnutrition, sick from lack of vitamins, are the most tragic proof of our failures. But, we are not discouraged. We continue to work to improve living conditions, even just one day for one person.”
Precisely during these days, the FAO has published a series of data in its report entitled “Crop Prospects and Food Situation.” “Domestic food prices in developing countries remain high,” the FAO report says, in spite of the lowered international price and the large cereal harvests. In many countries, the prices surpass the already high prices of last year or are at a record high, creating great unease for millions of people. According to the FAO, “concern remains for the food security of the vulnerable populations in urban and rural areas, as these groups base a large part of their livelihood on food products,” However, in spite of the positive prospects for cereal production worldwide, the FAO denounces the fact that “30 countries in the world are in crisis and need assistance, following natural disasters, conflicts or insecurity, and economic problems.” (MT) (Agenzia Fides 17/7/2009)
