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Food and Agriculture in the Globalizing World Economy |
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On 22 July 2003 Mr M. Gorgoni delivered this seminar, starting with a review of the main features of the agricultural sector. Agriculture nowadays is not just farming, but also the result of a complex system of post harvest activities at industrial and trade level. With regard to the globalization of food and agriculture, Mr Gorgoni stressed how the traditional economies are largely locally focused, while the advanced ones are largely globally focused. Nevertheless, it must be stressed that globalization puts down its roots in local contexts where agricultural systems are situated. Furthermore, the lecturer defined food insecurity as a pervasive dimension related to the way a system behaves to ensure that people are able to get food and consume the food they need. Also, it is very much connected (as clearly explained in the FAO publication - World Agriculture Toward 2015/2030) to the condition of poverty underdeveloped societies face. Therefore, food insecurity cannot be tackled just with actions at sector level, but has to address issues spared within the entire economic and political system. Finally, Mr Gorgoni concluded by stressing that it is vital for governments to be cautious and not to fall in the temptation of food self sufficiency. Governments should instead focus on food self reliability with the chance to get the food needed on the international market. |