Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BERN286
2009-07-08 14:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bern
Cable title:
SWISS RESPONSE: GLOBAL ACTION ON FOOD SECURITY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHSW #0286 1891440 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 081440Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY BERN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5932 INFO RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2880
C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 000286
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR J.SPECK, G. CLEMENTS, AND D.
MORTON
GENEVA FOR K.NISHIURA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2019
TAGS: EAGR EAID PREL SZ
SUBJECT: SWISS RESPONSE: GLOBAL ACTION ON FOOD SECURITY
REF: STATE 58996
Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor R.Rorvig for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BERN 000286
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR J.SPECK, G. CLEMENTS, AND D.
MORTON
GENEVA FOR K.NISHIURA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2019
TAGS: EAGR EAID PREL SZ
SUBJECT: SWISS RESPONSE: GLOBAL ACTION ON FOOD SECURITY
REF: STATE 58996
Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor R.Rorvig for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Econoff delivered reftel points to Federal Office of
Agriculture (FOAG) Head of International Sustainable
Agriculture Unit Francois Pythoud and Senior Officer Hubert
Poffet. In general, Pythoud welcomed the new U.S. approach
towards food security. He stated that the five principles as
outlined in reftel tracked Switzerland's policy which was
presented at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Summit in Rome. According to Pythoud, the comprehensive
strategy included the same elements and priorities as the
Swiss approach. In addition, the Swiss concur with the need
for solutions that address both long term sustainable food
sources as well as short term emergency assistance. Pythoud
commented that the Swiss also agree with embracing a
partnership and country-led process. The Swiss support
increased partnerships including private sector and research
centers, as well as a better balance between family farming,
which in Pythoud's opinion needed more support, and
entrepreneurial farming.
2. (C) On a policy level, Pythoud stated that Switzerland is
committed to 1) a process to revitalize the FAO's Food
Security Committee at the FAO, which the Swiss concede has
been to date inefficient as a policy platform; and 2)
providing national support for the UN High Level Task Force
on Global Food Security. Pythoud expressed surprise that the
U.S. approach did not incorporate the High Level Task Force.
3. (C) Pythoud noted that Switzerland is not at a stage in
which it can provide specific resource commitments for food
security. The government is currently in a discussion to
increase aid from the current 0.41 percent of GDP. Pythoud
also referenced the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation's (SDC) development assistance program, which
also funds food security programs.
4. (C) Lastly, Pythoud commented that Switzerland is
expecting the leaders at the G-8 summit to elaborate on and
clarify the policy approach to food security with concrete
programs and not just provide "ministerial speeches" that
contain little details. Switzerland also hopes that the G-8
will move the discussion to a larger multi-lateral platform
to give the signal that all international committees need to
take action.
CARTER
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT FOR J.SPECK, G. CLEMENTS, AND D.
MORTON
GENEVA FOR K.NISHIURA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2019
TAGS: EAGR EAID PREL SZ
SUBJECT: SWISS RESPONSE: GLOBAL ACTION ON FOOD SECURITY
REF: STATE 58996
Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor R.Rorvig for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) Econoff delivered reftel points to Federal Office of
Agriculture (FOAG) Head of International Sustainable
Agriculture Unit Francois Pythoud and Senior Officer Hubert
Poffet. In general, Pythoud welcomed the new U.S. approach
towards food security. He stated that the five principles as
outlined in reftel tracked Switzerland's policy which was
presented at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Summit in Rome. According to Pythoud, the comprehensive
strategy included the same elements and priorities as the
Swiss approach. In addition, the Swiss concur with the need
for solutions that address both long term sustainable food
sources as well as short term emergency assistance. Pythoud
commented that the Swiss also agree with embracing a
partnership and country-led process. The Swiss support
increased partnerships including private sector and research
centers, as well as a better balance between family farming,
which in Pythoud's opinion needed more support, and
entrepreneurial farming.
2. (C) On a policy level, Pythoud stated that Switzerland is
committed to 1) a process to revitalize the FAO's Food
Security Committee at the FAO, which the Swiss concede has
been to date inefficient as a policy platform; and 2)
providing national support for the UN High Level Task Force
on Global Food Security. Pythoud expressed surprise that the
U.S. approach did not incorporate the High Level Task Force.
3. (C) Pythoud noted that Switzerland is not at a stage in
which it can provide specific resource commitments for food
security. The government is currently in a discussion to
increase aid from the current 0.41 percent of GDP. Pythoud
also referenced the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation's (SDC) development assistance program, which
also funds food security programs.
4. (C) Lastly, Pythoud commented that Switzerland is
expecting the leaders at the G-8 summit to elaborate on and
clarify the policy approach to food security with concrete
programs and not just provide "ministerial speeches" that
contain little details. Switzerland also hopes that the G-8
will move the discussion to a larger multi-lateral platform
to give the signal that all international committees need to
take action.
CARTER