Panel session ASEAN and agriculture Synthesis of discussions 4 October 2005

ASEAN agri policies and programs General objective : manage agri sector efficiently Specific objective: enhance food security and global competitiveness ASEAN’s sectors of cooperation/program areas 7priority areas

Asean agri policies and programs Food security reserve board -put up rice emergency reserve -the board report every year to the AMAF; inform on the supply and demand status; serves as early warning system -chairperson is from Myanmar/Burma On pesticide monitoring -there is a working group to inform re pesticide utilization -monitoring and regulation done at country level through pesticide boards; standards have been set (CODEX) On sustainable agriculture -no ASEAN specific project

Issues and concerns Poverty prevalent in rural areas in Asia - lack of access and control of resources Concerns about sustainable agriculture -marketing system and market access -access to quality input, training -aging farmer population -unfavorable policies

Proposals to ASEAN Discuss producers’ access to land and resources and include in ASEN provisions/charter Mainstream sustainable agricultural policies and practices Regular consultations with representatives from civil society and farmers’ groups ( similar to UN) Extend invitations to CSO reps/farmer leaders as input speakers in ASEAN meetings Utilize CSOs in policy research and analysis

Civil society action points Active participation of CSO reps/farmer leaders in policy deliberations and decision-making Disseminate ASEAN policies and programs and in providing feedback Research and documentation of sustainable agricultural practices and impact of ASEAN policies and programs in agriculture

Some entry points Some NGOs invited in AMAF meetings; ASEAN can make guidelines to invite CSOs, but then up to national governments who to invite Re: joint approaches – depend on issues, concerned countries form a joint committee