The ability of poor countries to feed themselves is rapidly being threatened as the rich and multi-national corporations are purchasing fertile farmland at an alarming rate. Over 74 million acres have been acquired recently and the trend means that the poorest countries of the world could face food shortages as much of the food grown on this land will be exported to countries in the Middle East Gulf States and to China.
It emerged that world leaders will discuss what is being described as “land grabbing” or “neo-colonialism” at the G8 meeting of the world’s most developed and wealthy countries next week.
A spokesman for Japan’s ministry of foreign affairs confirmed that it would raise the issue, “We feel there should be a code of conduct for investment in farmland that will be a win-win situation for both producing and consuming countries,” he said.
Devinder Sharma, analyst with the Forum for Biotechnology and Food Security in India, predicted civil unrest.
“Outsourcing food production will ensure food security for investing countries but would leave behind a trail of hunger, starvation and food scarcities for local populations. The environmental tab of highly intensive farming – devastated soils, dry aquifer, and ruined ecology from chemical infestation – will be left for the host country to pick up, says Devinder.”
Photo credit: Luigi Guarino Flickr.com photostream
Hydroponics Dictionary
