II. PROGRAM REVIEW/OVERVIEW OF CFS & ASEAN GUIDELINES ON RAI

Mr. Michael Riggs, Capacity and Development Officer, FAO Rome

Mr. Riggs went over the objectives and expected outputs of the workshop. Mr. Riggs then proceeded to describe the state of “underinvestment” in the agriculture sector in Southeast Asia and that FAO estimates a total additional annual investment of US$265 billion is needed to eradicate global hunger and poverty by 2030.  Of the said amount, US$ 140 billion in investments in agriculture and rural development is needed. Next, he enumerated the reasons why more investments in agriculture are needed and why these investments need to better also. Mr. Riggs then discussed the CFS guidelines on responsible investments in agriculture (CFS-RAI), including its 10 principles.  Mr. Riggs also pointed out that the CFS-RAI gives priority and importance to small-scale producers, including family farmers, and that the said principles are voluntary but not legally binding.  He also discussed the important role that young people play with regard to agricultural investments.

Ms. Marlene Ramirez, Secretary General, AsiaDHRRA

Ms. Ramirez presented the overview on the ASEAN Guidelines for Responsible Investments in Food, Agriculture and Forestry.  She mentioned that the guidelines are necessary to maximize the development benefits from the expected rise in investments in agriculture (due to increasing demand for food) but, at the same time, minimizing the risks associated with such investments.  She also explained the difference between the CFS-RAI and the ASEAN Guidelines on RAI as the latter was adapted to the ASEAN context with greater emphasis given to technology and innovation, climate change and natural disasters, regional approaches, and home/host country dimensions. Finally, she enumerated the action plans of Grow Asia, ASEAN, FAO and IISD on how to promote and operationalize the said guidelines.