Key Takeaways:
- Call for Farmer Participation: Kip Tom urges farmers to actively engage in political discussions to influence agricultural policies.
- Emphasis on Unity: Tom highlights the need for producers to unite and share experiences to strengthen their influence.
- Role of Science and Technology: Advances in agricultural productivity and sustainability are attributed to innovations in science and technology.
- Importance of Trade and Policy: Tom advocates for open international food trade and public policies that support all dimensions of sustainability.
Farmers’ Voices in Policy-Making
During the session titled “Agri-food Systems in the Americas: Future Perspectives and Opportunities for Producers,” organized in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Tom addressed the importance of farmers’ active participation in policy discussions. “I encourage you to participate,” Tom told the audience of agricultural producers gathered at the “La Rural” venue in Buenos Aires. He stressed that it is crucial for those who produce food every day to have a say in the decisions that affect their livelihoods.
Tom, who comes from a family with deep roots in rural production in the American Midwest, argued that farmers must unite and continuously share their experiences and ideas. He highlighted the role of IICA in promoting resilience and capacity building in Latin American and Caribbean countries, which he believes is essential for addressing global challenges in agriculture.
The Farmer’s Role in Addressing Global Challenges
Kip Tom also discussed the critical role farmers play in implementing political decisions and ensuring food security. “It is the farmer who must implement the decisions made in political arenas and ensure that food is available and accessible to everyone,” he stated. He further added that farmers are integral to finding solutions to the climate crisis, given their knowledge of and commitment to environmental protection.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Tom shared a personal story about the significant improvements in agricultural productivity over the years. He recalled a conversation with his father about the dramatic increase in crop yields on their family farm, attributing this progress to innovations in agriculture in the United States and the Americas. However, he pointed out that such advancements have yet to reach other regions, such as Africa.
Advocating for Open Trade and Comprehensive Policies
In his remarks, Tom also addressed the importance of international food trade, cautioning against trade barriers that could threaten food security and rural incomes. He emphasized that public policies must consider all three dimensions of sustainability—economic, social, and environmental. “We must ensure that trade barriers do not affect production and that all public policies address not just one but all three dimensions of sustainability,” he said.
Tom concluded by calling for public policies that promote innovation and productivity in agriculture. He asserted that with the right policies, farmers could conserve natural resources, increase soil carbon levels, and positively impact agri-food systems. “Farmers deserve only gratitude for continuing to dream and develop new ideas for improvement,” he stated.