About the conference

Fighting food inflation through sustainable investment

10 March 2008, London

Soaring food prices are on the top of the agenda for policymakers worldwide. Nearly all major food crop commodities are affected with the result that consumers in the transition region – as elsewhere – are facing higher prices for basic foodstuffs. In response, most governments have moved to restrict price increases and protect the consumer and producer by introducing a combination of policy measures - price controls, quotas, tariffs, subsidies, and interventions using state grain reserves. Yet these initiatives though effective in the short term can have a negative impact on people and markets in the long term.

Investing in agriculture is key to stimulating more efficient supply and fighting food inflation. This is a key message of the forthcoming joint EBRD / FAO conference on 10 March which will bring together representatives from governments, civil society and agribusiness to explore practical steps that will lead to sustainable investment in agriculture in the region.

The event, by invitation only, will open with the presentation of two papers by EBRD and FAO which highlight the untapped potential of the region and the causes, consequences and policy responses to rising food prices.

The afternoon’s moderated sessions will focus on how the public and private sectors can work together to create a sustainable agribusiness climate. The discussions will look at responsibilities, investment climate, and lessons learnt to help the region’s agricultural industry realize its full potential.