Here's my version of a letter organized by Oxfam to draw attention to the looming food crisis on the planet. Supporters are encouraged to write to their Minister of Agriculture. In the case of Canada, that's the Honourable Gerry Ritz. Go online to Oxfam to check out the campaign.
Dear Minister Ritz,
There are nearly a billion hungry people in the world, and you are in a position to help them. On behalf of all Canadians, you need to show leadership at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Summit on June 20-21.
To ensure vulnerable people and countries have the food they need, I urge you to:
1. Help build resilience to food price shocks
National food reserves can help stabilize prices. Canada and the G20 should encourage countries to use them, and Canada should support the G20 proposal for regional emergency reserves.
2. Insist on greater transparency regarding food stocks
Rising prices are in part due to uncertainty about how much food exporting countries have on hand. Canada should support the G20 proposal to publish timely information on actual and forecasted food stocks.
3. Take measures to limit excessive speculation
Excessive speculation in commodity derivatives can drive up food prices. Canada should support a G20 agreement for improved regulation of commodity futures markets.
4. Phase out incentives to use food for fuel
Requirements for minimum ethanol content in gasoline divert massive amounts of corn from the world market, raising the price while doing nothing for the climate. Canada should start phasing out its minimum content rule, and support the G20 proposal to suspend it when food prices are high.
There is an old story about Joseph, sold into slavery in Egypt over three thousand years ago, who ended up saving the whole region through his foresight and care. He arranged for food to be stored in good years ready for "lean" years, and averted a terrible famine. We could learn from this story.
Thank you very much for your attention to these issues. I look forward to hearing from you.
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