FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED


PAGE 02 ROME 01658 01 OF 06 171333Z


1. SUMMARY. THE 17TH SESSION OF THE UN FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
(COAG) MET MARCH 31 - APRIL 4, 2003. COAG PROVED ONCE
AGAIN TO BE THE MOST POLITICIZED OF FAO'S TECHNICAL
COMMITTEES. ONLY ONE AGENDA ITEM RATED CONSENSUS
ENDORSEMENT; THE REMAINDER WERE EITHER SENT BACK FOR RE-
WRITING OR VIEWED AS TOO FLAWED TO WARRANT AN UNQUALIFIED
ENDORSEMENT. THE AGENDA, LARGELY SET BY THE SECRETARIAT,
PITTED CAIRNS GROUP COUNTRIES (AND THE U.S.) AGAINST EU
MEMBERS ON "THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE" (UNDER THE "THE
FOOD CHAIN" ITEM) AND "MULTIFUNCTIONALITY" (UNDER "GOOD
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES"). NON-CAIRNS GROUP G-77 MEMBERS
SAVED THEIR FIRE FOR THE WHO/FAO REPORT ON DIET ON
NUTRITION, EXPRESSING CONCERN THAT RECOMMENDATIONS ON
SUGAR INTAKE WOULD HAVE A DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON SUGAR
PRODUCING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND REQUESTING THE REPORT
BE CONSIDERED AT THE NEXT COAG. LOOKING AHEAD TO THE
NEXT BIENNIUM'S PROGRAM OF WORK, DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES WERE ABLE TO RALLY AROUND THE NEED TO
STRENGTHEN FUNDING FOR THE PLANT HEALTH STANDARD-SETTING
WORK OF THE INTERIM COMMISSION ON PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
(ICPM). U.S. AND AUSTRALIAN EFFORTS TO CURTAIL FUNDING
OF THE CONTROVERSIAL "FOOD CHAIN" PROGRAM SHOULD SEND A
SIGNAL TO THE SECRETARIAT THAT FAO SHOULD FOCUS ON BOTTOM-
UP AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES, RATHER THAN CHURNING OUT
GLOBAL "FRAMEWORKS" AND "STRATEGIES." END SUMMARY.


2. THE 17TH SESSION OF THE FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
(COAG) MET IN ROME MARCH 31 - APRIL 4, 2003. ONE HUNDRED
AND TWENTY FAO MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN THE MEETING. THE
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 01658 01 OF 06 171333Z
AGENDA INCLUDED: A PROPOSAL ON "FAO'S STRATEGY TOWARDS A
FOOD CHAIN APPROACH FOR FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY"; A
PROPOSAL ON "A FRAMEWORK FOR GOOD AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES"; FURTHER WORK ON THE FAO "BIOSECURITY"
PROPOSAL (FIRST INTRODUCED AT THE LAST COAG); THE PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION REPORT, MEDIUM TERM PLAN AND BUDGET
PROPOSALS FOR THE BIENNIUM 2004-2005. A SUMMARY OF THE
WHO/FAO STUDY ON DIET AND NUTRITION APPEARED AS AN
INFORMATION ITEM. SIDE EVENTS OF NOTE INCLUDED A DYNAMIC
(AND VERY POSITIVE) PRESENTATION FROM FAO'S
INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON BIOTECHNOLOGY.


3. THE U.S. DELEGATION WAS HEADED BY AMBASSADOR TONY
HALL AND COMPRISED THE FOLLOWING DELEGATES: ADELA
BACKIEL, DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, USDA; BOBBY
RICHEY, DIRECTOR, FOOD SAFETY AND TECHNICAL SECURITY,
FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE (FAS),USDA; RICHARD HUGHES,
USDA/FAS; SHARON KOTOK, FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICER, OFFICE
OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE;
RALPH CUMMINGS, SENIOR ECONOMIST, BUREAU OF ECONOMIC
GROWTH, AGRICULTURE AND TRADE, USAID AND U.S. MISSION
REPRESENTATIVES LUCY TAMLYN AND KATIE NISHIURA. THE
REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA CHAIRED THE MEETING. THE U.S.
REPRESENTED NORTH AMERICA ON THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE AND
CHAIRED THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION REPORT 2000-2001
--------------

4. THE FAO DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM PLANNING AND BUDGET
ADVISED DELEGATES THAT THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION REPORT
(PIR) WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REVISED. MEMBERS
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 01658 01 OF 06 171333Z
WELCOMED NEWS OF AN IMPROVED REPORTING FORMAT BASED ON A
NEW RESULTS-BASED PROGRAMMING MODEL WHICH WILL ENABLE
MEMBERS TO BETTER ASSESS FAO'S PERFORMANCE AND UNDERSTAND
THE LINKAGES BETWEEN ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS AND
PROGRAM PRIORITIES. IN REVIEWING PAST YEARS' PROGRAMS,
MEMBERS HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD-SETTING BODIES, SUCH AS THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS
AND INTERNATIONAL PLANT PROTECTION CONVENTION (IPPC) AND
TRADE-RELATED CAPACITY BUILDING.

MEDIUM TERM PLAN AND PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS FOR WORK AND
BUDGET 2004-2005
-------------- --------------


5. AMBASSADOR TONY P. HALL DELIVERED THE U.S.
INTERVENTION ON THE MEDIUM-TERM PLAN 2004-2009 AND THE
PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS ON THE PROGRAM OF WORK AND BUDGET,
2004-2005. THE U.S. STATEMENT EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE
OF FAO DEPLOYING ITS LIMITED RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY IN
SUPPORT OF GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AND ASSISTING POOR
FARMERS IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND INCOMES. IT UNDERSCORED
THE IMPORTANCE OF ADDRESSING THE SERIOUS IMPACT OF
HIV/AIDS ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, PARTICULARLY IN
AFRICA AND STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WTO-RECOGNIZED

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8903

PAGE 01 ROME 01658 02 OF 06 171334Z
ACTION IO-00

INFO LOG-00 AID-00 CEA-01 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00 INL-00
DODE-00 ITCE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EXME-00 EUR-00
OIGO-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 FRB-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 ITC-01 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NSAE-00
NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 OPIC-01 ACE-00 SSO-00
SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 DRL-01
G-00 SAS-00 /010W
-------------- 576E31 171344Z /38
R 171333Z APR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9321
USDA FAS WASHDC 2623
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA

UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 01658 02 OF 06 171334Z

FOOD SAFETY AND PLANT HEALTH STANDARD SETTING BODIES AND
OF SUPPORT FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY TO MEET GLOBAL FOOD
PRODUCTION NEEDS.


6. AS IN OTHER FAO COMMITTEES, MEMBERS WELCOMED THE
OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE THE BUDGET PROPOSALS IN ADVANCE OF
THE FAO COUNCIL. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (CHINA, INDIA,
INDONESIA, ZIMBABWE) EXPRESSED STRONG SUPPORT FOR FAO'S
SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR FOOD SECURITY (SPFS),CALLING IT
"VERY USEFUL" (INDONESIA) AND "PRODUCING TANGIBLE
RESULTS" (CHINA). MOST DEVELOPING COUNTRIES EMPHASIZED
THE NEED FOR GREATER CAPACITY BUILDING AND TRAINING. THE
REPUBLIC OF KOREA SUPPORTED A ZERO REAL GROWTH (ZRG)
BUDGET, BUT NOTED THAT ZRG DIDN'T HAVE TO MEAN "NO
GROWTH" FOR IMPORTANT PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE INTERIM
COMMISSION ON PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES (ICPM). DEVELOPED
AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ALIKE EXPRESSED THE NEED FOR
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE ICPM'S WORK PROGRAM.

SETTING PRIORITIES - WHOSE JOB?
--------------


7. IN HIS INTRODUCTION TO THE MEDIUM TERM PLAN AND THE
BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR 2004-2005, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM
BUDGET AND PLANNING, TONY WADE, ARGUED THAT REAL BUDGET
INCREASES WERE NEEDED IN ORDER TO SATISFY ALL THE NEEDS
IDENTIFIED BY MEMBERS. HE COMMENTED THAT, SINCE MEMBERS
WERE UNABLE TO PRIORITIZE (AND THE SECRETARIAT COULD
NOT),THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS FOR MEMBERS TO LOBBY THEIR
AUTHORITIES TO APPROVE A REAL GROWTH BUDGET.
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 01658 02 OF 06 171334Z

COMMENT: OECD MEMBERS WERE UNIFORMLY UNHAPPY WITH THE
SECRETARIAT'S STATEMENT; THE EU INTERVENED A SECOND TIME

SIPDIS
TO STATE THAT THE SECRETARIAT SHOULD TAKE A MORE ACTIVE
ROLE IN GUIDING MEMBERSHIP IN SETTING PRIORITIES.
IRONICALLY, THE ONE PROGRAM INDICATED BY USDEL AND
AUSTRALIA AS LOW PRIORITY (THE ETHICS PROGRAM) WAS SAVED
AFTER FRANTIC SECRETARIAT LOBBYING ON THE FLOOR SUCCEEDED
IN PERSUADING A MEMBER (COSTA RICA) TO SUPPORT IT. END
COMMENT.

GLOBAL FORUM ON FOOD SAFETY REGULATORS
--------------


8. UNDER THE PROGRAM OF WORK AND BUDGET, MEMBERS ALSO
DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF CONVENING IN 2004 (IN A
DEVELOPING COUNTRY) A SECOND GLOBAL FORUM OF FOOD SAFETY
REGULATORS WHICH WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE STANDARD-SETTING
WORK OF THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION. FUNDING WOULD
BE REQUIRED.

FOOD CHAIN STRATEGY
--------------


9. THE FAO INTRODUCED ITS "STRATEGY FOR A FOOD CHAIN
APPROACH FOR FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY." THE ITEM
ORIGINATED IN THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON WORLD FOOD
SECURITY IN 2002 WHICH HAD REQUESTED THAT COAG OUTLINE
FAO'S STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS KEY POLICY ADVICE, CAPACITY
BUILDING, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND ACTIONS THAT NEED TO
BE TAKEN AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS FOR
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 01658 02 OF 06 171334Z
ENSURING ACCESS TO SAFE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD. MANY
COUNTRIES EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE FAO PAPER
SIGNIFICANTLY ENLARGED AND ALTERED THE ORIGINAL CFS
REQUEST (NOT LEAST BEING TO ADD "QUALITY"). THE U.S.
RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROCESS USED TO ARRIVE AT THE
APPROACH AND THE USE OF VAGUE, UNDEFINED TERMS SUCH AS
"HOLISTIC", "PRUDENT APPROACH" AND "TRACEABILITY."
AUSTRALIA ARGUED THAT A FOOD CHAIN APPROACH SHOULD NOT BE
SADDLED WITH "COLLATERAL" ISSUES SUCH AS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL TREATIES;
NOR SHOULD THE FOOD CHAIN TAKE ON ACTIVITIES MORE
PROPERLY BELONGING TO THE MARKET (SUCH AS SATISFYING
CONSUMER TASTES). MOST COAG MEMBERS FELT THAT "A" FOOD
CHAIN APPROACH TO FOOD SAFETY WAS ACCEPTABLE (AND WAS, IN
FACT THE APPROACH THAT GUIDED MANY COUNTRIES
DOMESTICALLY) BUT EXPRESSED DIFFERING OPINIONS ON THE
SCOPE AS PRESENTED BY FAO. THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE-
BASED RISK ASSESSMENT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED BY ALL MEMBERS AS
WELL AS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CAPACITY
BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND THE ROLE OF CODEX,
IPPC AND OIE IN ANY FOOD CHAIN APPROACH. HOWEVER, THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND LIKE-MINDED COUNTRIES INDICATED
THAT ETHICS AND THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE SHOULD BE
INCLUDED IN THE "FOOD CHAIN APPROACH." CAIRNS GROUP

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8908

PAGE 01 ROME 01658 03 OF 06 171334Z
ACTION IO-00

INFO LOG-00 AID-00 CEA-01 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00 INL-00
DODE-00 ITCE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EXME-00 EUR-00
E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 FRB-00 H-01 TEDE-00
INR-00 ITC-01 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 OPIC-01 PER-00 ACE-00 SSO-00
SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00 DRL-01
G-00 SAS-00 /010W
-------------- 576E47 171344Z /38
R 171333Z APR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9322
USDA FAS WASHDC 2624
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA

UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 01658 03 OF 06 171334Z

COUNTRIES TOOK THE FLOOR AGAIN TO DISAGREE WITH THIS
APPROACH.

FOOD CHAIN -- LINKING BUDGETS WITH PROGRAMS
--------------

10. AS THE COMMITTEE COULD NOT REACH CONSENSUS ON THE
DOCUMENT, AUSTRALIA AND U.S. DEL SOUGHT TO ENSURE THAT
THE PROPOSED BUDGET (SOME USD 950,000) WOULD NOT BE SPENT
ON THE FOOD CHAIN STRATEGY IN THE NEXT BIENNIUM BUT WOULD
BE USED INSTEAD FOR HIGHER PRIORITY ITEMS (SUCH AS THE
ICPM). THE NEGOTIATED OUTCOME INCLUDES A REQUEST FOR THE
SECRETARIAT TO RE-DRAFT THE PAPER AND RE-SUBMIT TO THE

SIPDIS
NEXT COAG SESSION. THE REPORT ALSO NOTES THAT "A FEW
MEMBERS FELT THAT THE PROPOSED BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THIS
WORK WOULD NEED TO BE REVIEWED."


11. COMMENT: THE DEEP DISAGREEMENT OVER THE FAO'S
PROPOSED STRATEGY FOR A "FOOD CHAIN APPROACH" PRESENTED A
NOVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS TO LINK PROGRAMS WITH
RESOURCES (OR, IN THIS CASE, TO ATTEMPT TO DENY FUNDING
TO A PROGRAM WHICH DID NOT MEET WITH CONSENSUS APPROVAL).
NOT SURPRISINGLY, THE EFFORTS OF AUSTRALIA, SUPPORTED BY
THE U.S., TO BLOCK FUNDING FOR "FOOD CHAIN" ACTIVITIES
PROVOKED A STORM OF PROTESTS (NOT LEAST -- BUT MUFFLED,
OF COURSE-- FROM THE SECRETARIAT). RECOGNIZING THAT SUCH
A TACTIC MUST BE USED JUDICIOUSLY, AS IT COULD WELL BE
TURNED AGAINST ONE'S OWN PRIORITY PROGRAMS, AUSTRALIA AND
THE U.S. EVENTUALLY BACKED OFF. THE LANGUAGE OF THE
REPORT MAKES CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT COAG AT NO POINT
"ENDORSED" THE DOCUMENT. IT ALSO LEAVES AN IMPORTANT
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 01658 03 OF 06 171334Z
TRAIL TO BE FOLLOWED UP ON BY THE UPCOMING PROGRAM AND
FINANCE COMMITTEES, WHICH ARE THE APPROPRIATE BODIES TO
TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THIS ISSUE. END COMMENT.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
--------------


12. THE FAO'S PROPOSED "FRAMEWORK FOR GOOD AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES" (GAP) REVIEWED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LIST OF
GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR FAO TO USE IN ITS
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WITH MEMBER NATIONS TO
FURTHER ACTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND RURAL
DEVELOPMENT. MEMBERS GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE NOTION OF
GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ALTHOUGH (WITH THE EXCEPTION
OF THE EU) THEY REFUSED TO CONSIDER IT A "FRAMEWORK" OR A
SYSTEM. RATHER, MOST COUNTRIES EMPHASIZED THAT THERE
WERE DIVERSE WAYS TO APPROACH GAP AND THAT A GAP APPROACH
SHOULD BE VOLUNTARY, NON-REGULATORY, NOT IMPLY ANY GLOBAL
STANDARD AND NOT CREATE NEW BARRIERS TO TRADE. THE
LINKAGE BY THE DELEGATE OF POLAND OF GAP TO
MULTIFUNCTIONALITY AROUSED CONCERNS IN CAIRNS GROUP AND
THE U.S. THAT THE GAP "FRAMEWORK" MIGHT BE A STALKING
HORSE FOR MULTIFUNCTIONALITY. THE PAPER WILL BE
REVIEWED AT THE NEXT COAG.

SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIVELIHOODS
--------------


13. MEMBERS GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE WORK OF FAO IN
INTEGRATING A RURAL LIVELIHOOD APPROACH INTO ITS EXISTING
PROGRAMS, IN PARTICULAR THE FAO'S SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 01658 03 OF 06 171334Z
FOOD SECURITY (SPFS). RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN THIS INSTANCE
MEANS PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES THAT HELP EMPOWER RURAL
COMMUNITIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN DIVERSIFYING RURAL
INCOMES, SUPPORTING GOOD GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES, AND
BUILDING CAPACITY OF SMALL FARMERS AND RURAL BUSINESSES.
COAG NOTED THAT WORK NEEDED TO FOCUS ON AREAS OF FAO'S
COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE AND FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS FOR GREATER
EFFICIENCIES AND COLLABORATION. COAG REQUESTED FURTHER
INFORMATION ON SUCCESS STORIES WHERE THE LIVELIHOODS
APPROACH HAS REDUCED RURAL POVERTY. (COMMENT: THE REAL
SUCCESS STORY HERE IS THAT OF THE UK DELEGATION, WHICH,
BY STRATEGICALLY PLACING A UK-FUNDED DFID ADVISOR IN FAO
HAS INTEGRATED THE UK'S MAJOR DEVELOPMENT THEME INTO FAO
PROGRAMS. END COMMENT.)

AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS
-------------- --------------


14. REGRETTABLY THERE WAS NOT MUCH INTEREST OR COMMENT ON
THIS IMPORTANT AGENDA ITEM. MEMBERS SUPPORTED
INTENSIFIED WORK IN DEVELOPING AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL
INFORMATION. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES' INTERVENTIONS
STRESSED CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8913

PAGE 01 ROME 01658 04 OF 06 171335Z
ACTION IO-00

INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 CEA-01 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
INL-00 DODE-00 ITCE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EXME-00
EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 FRB-00 H-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 ITC-01 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NSAE-00
NSCE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 OPIC-01 ACE-00 IRM-00
SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
EPAE-00 ECA-00 DRL-01 G-00 SAS-00 /010W
-------------- 576E64 171345Z /38
R 171333Z APR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9323
USDA FAS WASHDC 2625
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA

UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 01658 04 OF 06 171335Z

BETTER USE OF AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND DATA IN
THEIR COUNTRIES. DEVELOPED COUNTRIES' COMMENTS FOCUSED
ON BETTER COORDINATION WITHIN EXISTING INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS AND DATA COLLECTION METHODOLOGIES.

BIOSECURITY IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
--------------


15. COAG DISCUSSED THE TOPIC OF BIOSECURITY FOR A SECOND
TIME. (THE TOPIC WAS ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED AT THE 16TH
SESSION OF COAG). THE U.S. RE-EMPHASIZED ITS VIEWS FROM
THE 16TH SESSION AND EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE VAGUE
AND WIDE-RANGING NATURE OF THE DOCUMENT AND THE LACK OF A
DEFINITION OF BIOSECURITY. MANY COUNTRIES HIGHLIGHTED
THAT CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WERE KEY
IN ADDRESSING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES NEEDS FOR ANIMAL
HEALTH, PLANT HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY. THE COMMITTEE
AGREED THAT NO CHANGE IN THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY
FRAMEWORKS WAS NEEDED AND REAFFIRMED THE ROLE OF CODEX,
IPPC AND OIE (THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OF EPIZOOTICS).

PORTAL ON FOOD SAFETY, ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH
--------------


16. DURING DISCUSSION OF BIOSECURITY, THE COMMITTEE ALSO
ENDORSED THE CONCEPT OF AND FURTHER WORK ON THE U.S.-
FUNDED INTERNATIONAL PORTAL ON FOOD SAFETY, ANIMAL AND
PLANT HEALTH AND LOOKED FORWARD TO ITS OFFICIAL LAUNCH.
AT THE LAST PLENARY THE BRAZILIAN DELEGATION ASKED FOR AN
ADDITIONAL SENTENCE TO BE ADDED TO REPORT: "THE COMMITTEE
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 01658 04 OF 06 171335Z
EXPRESSED ITS UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PORTAL WOULD ONLY
INCLUDE SCIENCE-BASED INFORMATION, DATA AND/OR DECISIONS
AND GUIDELINES OF AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL NATURE, AS WELL
AS ANY NATIONAL OFFICIAL DATA AND INFORMATION." THE EU
OBJECTED TO THE ADDITION. A PROPOSAL BY ERITREA TO DROP
"ONLY" WAS ACCEPTED AND THE AMENDED PROPOSAL WAS ADDED TO
THE FINAL REPORT.

WHO/FAO STUDY ON DIET AND NUTRITION
--------------


17. UNDER OTHER BUSINESS, MEMBERS AND OBSERVERS COMMENTED
ON AN INFORMATION DOCUMENT SUMMARIZING THE WHO/FAO REPORT
ON DIET, NUTRITION AND THE PREVENTION OF CHRONIC
DISEASES. A NUMBER OF AFRICAN COUNTRIES EXPRESSED
CONCERN THAT RECOMMENDATIONS ON SUGAR INTAKE COULD HAVE
AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON SMALL SUGAR PRODUCERS AND THE
ECONOMIES OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. OBSERVERS FROM
INDUSTRY GROUPS ARGUED FOR SCIENCE-BASED FINDINGS. USDEL
INTERVENED TO STATE THAT THE "BEST POSSIBLE SCIENTIFIC
AND PUBLIC HEALTH EVIDENCE SHOULD BE THE CORNERSTONE OF
THE 2004 GLOBAL STRATEGY ON DIET, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND
HEALTH." WHILE THE REPORT WAS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN
ACTION ITEM FOR ANY FAO INTERGOVERNMENTAL BODY, MEMBERS
REQUESTED THAT THE SECRETARIAT CONVENE COAG "AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE" SO THAT MEMBERS COULD "REVIEW" THE REPORT.
COMMENT: NEITHER WE (NOR THE SECRETARIAT) KNOW WHEN THIS
WILL BE. THE NEXT MEETING OF COAG IS IN 2005. END
COMMENT.


18. SIDE EVENTS
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 01658 04 OF 06 171335Z
--------------

--AGROECOLOGY: A PRESENTATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN
FAO AND THE INTERNATIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE (IPC) OF
CSO'S AND NGO'S OF THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT:FIVE YEARS LATER
MEETING (WFS5YL) WORKING TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE
CONSIDERATION AND INTEGRATION OF AGROECOLOGY WORK WITHIN
FAO. (THE IPC IS NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE CIVIL SOCIETY
FOCAL POINT FOR FOLLOW-UP TO THE WFS5YL.) A WORK PLAN
FOR THE PARTNERSHIP IS BEING DEVELOPED, INCLUDING
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN FAO WORKING GROUP AND THE CONVENING
OF A SEMINAR IN SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2003.

COMMENT: FODAG WELCOMES THE INNOVATIVE PARTNERING WITH
NGO'S. WE WOULD NOTE, HOWEVER, THE MANY OF THE NGO'S
INVOLVED IN THE AGROECOLOGY MOVEMENT ARE VOCALLY ANTI-
BIOTECH. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FAO GIVES
ADEQUATE SPACE TO NGO'S WITH OTHER POINTS OF VIEW ON
THESE ISSUES. END COMMENT.

-- STATUS OF THE FIRST REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S
ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES. DURING THE WELL ATTENDED SIDE-
EVENT, PARTICIPANTS WERE MADE AWARE OF THE RAPID DECREASE
IN ANIMAL GENETIC STOCK, INCLUDING 1,350 BREEDS AT RISK

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8916

PAGE 01 ROME 01658 05 OF 06 171335Z
ACTION IO-00

INFO LOG-00 AID-00 CEA-01 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00 INL-00
DODE-00 ITCE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EXME-00 EUR-00
E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 FRB-00 H-01 TEDE-00
INR-00 ITC-01 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 DHS-00 OPIC-01 ACE-00 IRM-00
SSO-00 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 EPAE-00
DRL-01 G-00 SAS-00 /010W
-------------- 576E7B 171346Z /38
R 171333Z APR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9324
USDA FAS WASHDC 2626
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA

UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 01658 05 OF 06 171335Z

WITH ONE TO TWO LOST ON A WEEKLY BASIS.

COMMENT: THE SECRETARIAT'S COMMENTS ON A POSSIBLE TREATY
ON ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES INDICATED THAT THEY MAY BE
WAY AHEAD OF MEMBERS ON THE DESIRABILITY OF SUCH A
TREATY. FODAG HAS FOLLOWED UP WITH THE SECRETARIAT TO
POINT OUT THAT THE LAST COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES
SESSION DID NOT ENDORSE ANY GROUNDWORK BEING DONE ON A
REATY. END COMMENT.

-- SARD (SUSTAINABLE AGRICLTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT)
INITIATIVE STAKEHOLER DESIGN CONSULTATION: THE SARD
INITIATIVE IS MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PROCESS DESIGNED TO
DEVELOP AN SUPPORT PARTNERSHIPS AND INITIATIVES TO
STRENGTEN ON THE GROUND ACTIONS TO SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTRE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT. NEXT STEPS INCLUDE
DEELOPMENT OF A 4-YEAR PROGRAM OF WORK WITH A POSSIBE
PROGRESS REPORT TO COAG IN 2005; DEVELOPMENT OFAND
SEARCH FOR FUNDING OF PROJECT PROPOSALS; ESTBLISHMENT OF
A COORDINATION TEAM TO LEAD COLLABORATION WITH FAO; AND
CONSULTATIONS WITH KEY PLAYERS, INCLUDING INTERESTED
GOVERNMENTS.

-- OUTCOME OF THE THIRD WORLD WATER FORUM (CO-SPONSORED
BY THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AND FAO): JAPAN NOTED THAT THE
AGRICULTURE AND WATER DECLARATION WAS ONE OF THE MORE
SUCCESSFUL ASPECTS OF THE FORUM AND THAT THE FORUM WOULD
HAVE RECEIVED MORE PRESS IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE U.S.
ATTACK ON IRAQ.

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 03 ROME 01658 05 OF 06 171335Z
-- BRIDGING THE RURAL DIGITAL DIVIDE - INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION IN SUPPORT OF RURAL LIVELIHOODS: THE
PRESENTATION EXAMINED "A NEW APPROACH" TO BRIDGE THE
INFORMATION GAP FOR RURAL STAKEHOLDER WHO ARE LACK ACCESS
TO APPROPRIATE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES WHICH CAN HELP
ALLEVIATE HUNGER AND POVERTY IN RURAL AREAS BY BRINGING
THEM INTO THE MAINSTREAM OF INFORMATION.

-- WORLD BANK ASSESSMENT ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:
ROBERT WATSON OF THE WORLD BANK PRESENTED THE OUTLINE OF
THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE
DECISION MAKING PROCESS. IT APPEARED FROM THE
PRESENTATION THAT THE ASSESSMENT'S PROPOSED SCOPE HAS
MOVED TOWARDS MORE FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE AND
ITS CONTRIBUTION TO AGRICULTURE IN THE FUTURE AND DE-
EMPHASIZED OTHER NON-MARKET AND TRADE ISSUES. FAO IS ONE
OF THE MAIN PARTNERS LEADING THE ASSESSMENT.

-- FAO AND BIOTECHNOLOGY: THE HEAD OF FAO'S
INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, JAMES
DARGIE (ALSO DIRECTOR OF FAO'S JOINT DIVISION WITH THE
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY IN VIENNA) PRESENTED
FAO'S BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS. THE PRESENTATION WAS VERY
BALANCED AND VERY SUPPORTIVE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY.

COMMENT: MISSION MEMBERS WERE FAVORABLY STRUCK BY THE
EXTENT TO WHICH DARGIE WAS PREPARED TO CHALLENGE BIOTECH
DOUBTERS AND NAYSAYERS IN THE QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD
WITH STRONG AND UNEQUIVOCAL ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF
BIOTECH.

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 04 ROME 01658 05 OF 06 171335Z

19. THE NEXT REGULAR SESSION OF COAG IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE
PLACE IN ROME IN EARLY APRIL 2005. COAG SUPPORTED THE
SUGGESTION OF THE DELEGATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA THAT
FAO REPORT TO THE FINANCE AND PROGRAM COMMITTEES ON THE
POSSIBILITY OF HOLDING COAG AND THE COMMITTEE ON
COMMODITY PROBLEMS BACK TO BACK WITH A VIEW TO FINDING
SAVINGS AND IMPROVING EFFICIENCY.

COMMENT - IS IT THE TOPIC OR THE PRESENTATION?
-------------- -


20. COAG PROVED ONCE AGAIN TO BE THE MOST POLITICIZED OF
FAO'S TECHNICAL COMMITTEES. ONLY ONE ITEM OF THE AGENDA
RATED CONSENSUS ENDORSEMENT (AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL
INFORMATION AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS). THE REMAINDER
WERE EITHER SENT BACK FOR RE-WRITING ("THE FOOD CHAIN")
OR VIEWED AS TOO FLAWED TO WARRANT AN UNQUALIFIED
"ENDORSEMENT." WHILE TRADE ISSUES CANNOT BE ENTIRELY
AVOIDED, WE BELIEVE THAT THE FAO SHOULD FOCUS ON BOTTOM-
UP AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES, RATHER THAN CHURNING OUT
GLOBAL "FRAMEWORKS" AND "STRATEGIES" (ESPECIALLY WHEN
THESE INCLUDE A THINLY VEILED "PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE"
DRESSED UP AS "A PRUDENT APPROACH.") WE HOPE THAT U.S.
AND AUSTRALIAN EFFORTS TO CURTAIL FUNDING OF THE

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED PTQ8924

PAGE 01 ROME 01658 06 OF 06 171335Z
ACTION IO-00

INFO LOG-00 AID-00 CEA-01 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00 INL-00
DODE-00 ITCE-00 WHA-00 SRPP-00 EB-00 EXME-00 EUR-00
E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01 VC-00 FRB-00 H-01 TEDE-00
INR-00 ITC-01 L-00 VCE-00 AC-01 NSAE-00 NSCE-00
OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01 OPIC-01 ACE-00 SSO-00 SS-00
STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 DRL-01 G-00 SAS-00
/010W
-------------- 576E83 171347Z /38
R 171333Z APR 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9325
USDA FAS WASHDC 2627
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA

UNCLAS SECTION 06 OF 06 ROME 001658

SIPDIS

FROM FODAG

STATE FOR IO/EDA WINNICK AND KOTOK
USDA/FAS FOR REICH AND HUGHES
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR EAGR ETRD FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO ETRD AORC FAO
SUBJECT: FAO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 17TH SESSION
UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE 02 ROME 01658 06 OF 06 171335Z

CONTROVERSIAL "FOOD CHAIN" APPROACH SENT A WARNING SIGNAL
TO THE SECRETARIAT IN THIS REGARD. FODAG SUGGESTS THAT
THIS POINT NEED TO BE MADE WITH FAO SENIOR MANAGEMENT AT
EVERY APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITY. TAMLYN

UNCLASSIFIED

>
2003ROME01658 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED