Brussels, 13 January 2010 - Caritas Europa has responded to a consultation launched by the European Commission in preparation of a new EU policy framework on assisting developing countries addressing agriculture and food security. It represents one of several policy initiatives to be released within the European Commission’s 2010 Spring Package on development cooperation.  

Caritas Europa welcomes a new EU policy framework on agriculture and food security. Agricultural development and food security in developing countries are a priority for Caritas Europa. Most people in extreme poverty rely on agriculture as a main source livelihood. Therefore agricultural development is crucial in the fight against poverty. 

The Caritas Europa response to the consultation highlights the right to food as a basic human right. For this right to be respected, the new policy framework needs to take a people-centred approach. The response also advocates for investment in family and smallholder farming as the best way to increase food security. Another point that is underlined is the multifunctional aspect of agriculture as it serves as a tool to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and the right to food.