EL PRESIDENTE: El último punto es el anuncio de que, según me informan los distinguidos miembros del Comité de Redacción, han propuesto ya un presidente para dicho Comité, y me refiero a la distinguida delegada de Argentina, la Señora I. di Giovan Battista. Ustedes recordarán también, respecto de los trabajos del Comité de Redacción, que era intención de los Estados Miembros de este Consejo que el informe fuera más de carácter ejecutivo y que se concentrara en las recomendaciones, puntos pendientes y decisiones principales del Consejo. Dejo, por tanto, la tarea de hacer ese ejercicio de ejecutividad al Comité de Redacción y a su Presidenta de guiarlo así.
ACTIVITIES OF FAO AND WFP (continued)
ACTIVITES DE LA FAO ET DU PAM (suite)
ACTIVIDADES DE LA FAO Y DEL PMA (continuación)
EL PRESIDENTE: Permítanme ahora, distinguidos delegados, pasar al punto que dejamos suspendido el día de ayer, me refiero al 10. Teníamos una lista de oradores todavía pendiente; esta lista de oradores no la he cerrado, pero les repito que si alguna otra delegación desea hacer intervención, puede abreviarla en la Plenaria y enviar el texto total a la Secretaría para que se incluya en el verbatim.
Adel M. ABOUL-NAGA (Egypt) (Original language Arabic): I should like to thank you for giving me the floor although I had not intended to intervene on this agenda item. I have not prepared a written statement either, because I thought that the Council was going to adopt the Report of the Committee on Commodity Problems as submitted to us, particularly as most of us took part in the deliberations of that CCP along with the Secretariat and in the Drafting Committee which was chaired by our colleague Rosanne Kava.
Now, for the Report to be balanced and well drafted, we all know that a balanced Report means that the Report does not give full satisfaction to any of us. However, after the intervention of some delegates who have put their views concerning certain items of the Report, which had not been fully reflected in the document, I am obliged to put the views of my country and the point of view of a large number of net food importing countries, particularly from the least developed countries especially in the Near East and Africa, a group of which my country is a member. Such points which have not been fully covered in the Report, namely the negative effects which are foreseen in applying the Agreement on Agriculture deriving from the Uruguay Round, also the difficulties which these countries are going to have to face in a very short time in financing their basic food imports. Also, the role of the International Community and countries which receive the most benefit from these agreements that they should help Third World countries in order to solve these difficulties.
Amongst the priorities also which are required of FAO and which we have also identified in other FAO Committees, emphasis should be put on the fact that FAO, in cooperation with other international organizations, should take part in the activities of the World Trade Organization on the follow-up of the Marrakesh decision. The net food importing countries should be identified, that is to say those that can benefit from help which may be required in order to help offset the negative effects of that Agreement. I hope that the Council's Report will include these views clearly. Views which are not only Egypt's but of other countries, other net food importing countries and also least developed countries, countries which, if the Council allows them, can make their own intervention on that matter. If the other views expressed by other countries will be covered in the Report as well, but if the Council decides not to include the interventions of the various groups, then we are ready to accept the Report as presented to us. Thank you.
R. DE SANTIS (Observateur de la Communauté européenne): Monsieur le Président, je dois vous féliciter pour votre conduite des travaux du Conseil et je dois dire que nous sommes en ligne avec l'idée d'efficacité que vous avez rappelée, hier matin. Nous regrettons beaucoup que l'on n'ait pas suivi votre proposition de se limiter à une version du rapport et de réfléchir sur l'opportunité de revoir les procédures des organes de la FAO afin d'éviter la répétition en Comité de ce qui est déjà discuté dans les différents groupes.
L'Union européenne et ses 15 Etats Membres ont pris connaissance avec intérêt du rapport sur la soixantième session du Comité des produits. Le résultat de l'analyse de la situation et des perspectives mondiales des produits nous a montré que les éléments les plus caractéristiques étaient la hausse des cours internationaux de plusieurs produits de base et la relance des gains à l'exportation qui en est résultée pour un certain nombre de
pays en développement. Il en résulte que le principal facteur de cette relance de la demande de nombreux produits agricoles a été la croissance de Γ activité économique mondiale. Il nous faudra suivre de près cette évolution pour tendre à assurer une amélioration continue du commerce des produits agricoles.
Permetez-moi encore une fois, Monsieur le Président, de réaffirmer que, de l'avis de l'Union européenne et de ses Etats Membres, l'Uruguay Round représente un tournant du commerce international et constitue une occasion non négligeable pour tous les pays. Certains de ces pays seront sans doute amenés à diversifier leur production et à améliorer leur structure de commercialisation. Toutefois, nous croyons que c'est dans ce cadre qu'ils développeront leur potentialité d'exportation et bénéficieront ainsi de la libéralisation du commerce international. C'est au sein de l'OMC qu'il faudra suivre l'application de l'accord sur l'agriculture.
L'Union européenne et ses Etats Membres partagent l'approche reprise par les conclusions du présent rapport concernant le point "Commerce, environnement et développement agricole". Toutefois, il nous faut dès à présent tenter de mener à bien, de manière plus concrète et rigoureuse, la mise en oeuvre d'une politique visant à intégrer la question du respect de l'environnement dans l'approche commerciale internationale. Nous souhaitons ici réaffirmer notre attachement à considérer la protection de l'environnement comme une priorité majeure.
En ce qui concerne l'activité des groupes intergouvernementaux sur les produits, nous estimons qu'elle a été fondamentalement positive, non seulement aux rôles joués en matière d'échanges, mais surtout quant aux réponses aux exigences de l'environnement et du développement durable. Néanmoins, quant au fonctionnement des groupes, nous réaffirmons notre souci de voir réaliser des économies, que ce soit dans la présentation des documents, qui devraient être concis, ou dans le déroulement des travaux, qui devraient être réduits à l'essentiel. Nous appuyons le programme de travail proposé par le Secrétariat qui se résume en la poursuite des activités entreprises par les divers groupes intergouvernementaux afin d'assurer une meilleure répartition de la productivité agricole sur le plan mondial, dans un esprit de coopération internationale et d'ouverture des marchés. Nous tenons à la stricte application des décisions prises par le Comité des produits en ce qui concerne le calendrier et l'organisation des groupes intergouvernementaux, conformément au paragraphe 21 du rapport.
Suharyo HUSEN (Indonesia): On behalf of the Indonesian Delegation, I would first of all like to congratulate the Committee on Commodity Problems on the success of its Sixtieth Session. We thank the Secretariat very much for the excellent preparation and presentation of the comprehensive document before us, CL 108/6.
Please allow me to make a few observations on the Report. First, in 1994 there was an increase of 20 percent in the price of agricultural, fishery and forestry export commodities in the developing countries as a whole, while in the developed countries there was an increase of 2 percent. However, several developing countries, particularly in Africa, have not necessarily gained very much from this development. It was further noted with concern that the actual income received by developing countries was still well below the level at the beginning of the 1980s. In this context, my delegation asks FAO to monitor and periodically analyse the progress of the international market in agricultural, fishery and forestry export commodities in the future and to report to the Committee's next Session so as to benefit the developing countries by increasing their earnings and improving their external debt conditions.
Second, Mr Chairman, my delegation fully supports the Committee's initiative in stressing the need to improve its links with its subsidiary bodies and strengthening its guidance to the Work Programmes of the IGGs in order to get the full benefit from them, especially in market development and the prospects facing the commodities concerned, as well as activities in other international fora. Dealing with the interests of the developing countries, who are producing and exporting a limited number of agricultural, fishery or forestry products because of the constraints which exist in these countries is very important. We also support the decision taken by the Committee to improve the functioning of the IGGs by arranging back-to-back meetings.
Third, the Indonesian Delegation fully agrees with the Committee's recognition that developing countries will be facing considerable changes in world market conditions while at the same time confronting a new and complex policy agenda. They will require assistance in order to capture the potential benefits of new market opportunities and to cope with the new problems and exigencies. Technical assistance in policy formulation
and sanitary and phytosanitary measures will need to be stepped up. The particular needs of the least developed countries will need to be given priority consideration. In this connection my delegation is in agreement with the Committee that the developing countries should examine in depth the areas outlined in paragraph 33 of the Report when formulating their national policies.
Fourth, the Indonesian Delegation can go along with other members of the Council in supporting and accepting the possibility of the inclusion of tropical fruit in the International Group on Bananas and further hopes that a sub-group on tropical fruit can be established. We also fully support the intention of Malaysia to convene an international consultation meeting on tropical fruit in early 1996 with technical input from FAO.
Last but not least, Mr Chairman, the Indonesian Delegation would like to join other speakers in adopting the report of the Sixtieth Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems and requests the Council to adopt it unanimously.
Francis J. VACCA (United States of America): The United States supports the conclusion of the Sixtieth Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems. In our view it was an extremely productive meeting. In particular, we support paragraph 21 of the Report, which will both substantially streamline future IGG meetings and enhance their efficiency and relevance. We believe that when these changes are implemented, future IGGs will be recognized as more important policy discussion bodies than they currently are. As the Assistant Director-General, Mr de Haen, has already said, the cutting back of the length of these meetings and convening them biennially should reduce the number of meeting days per biennium by at least 20. Moreover, the Secretariat will require less time and expense preparing for these meetings and members will experience commensurate reductions.
A number of CCP members representing several geographical regions noted that tropical fruits were not being dealt with in the current IGG configuration. We support the proposal to discuss tropical fruit during the next IGG on bananas, recognizing the possibility of regularly integrating tropical fruits with bananas or possibly citrus, depending on the recommendations of the next CCP. We do not believe that this Council should make any recommendations about the handling of tropical fruit within the IGGs until the CCP further discusses the issue and until the Director-General has reported on the administrative and financial implications of any proposals, as noted in paragraph 23.
The United States values the work of FAO's sub-Committee on surplus disposal and agrees that its importance may well increase in response to the needs of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. We also agree with the CCP's recommendation that the Sub-Committee review the principles of surplus disposal and suggest how it can more effectively interact with the WTO Committee on Agriculture.
FAO's initial analysis of the implications of the Uruguay Round on Agriculture prompted a variety of responses from CCP members. Some were critical of FAO for painting too bleak a picture for developing country regions, especially Africa, in the short run, but the United States found FAO's study to be extremely valuable, reasonably well-balanced and quantitatively sound. We hope that FAO will continue to monitor and analyse the implementation of the Agreement, especially its likely impact on developing countries. We also hope that future analysis will address the longer-term positive benefits of the Uruguay Round to developing country regions.
Fernando RAS (Argentina): Argentina se complace en otorgar su aprobación al informe presentado por el Comité de Problemas de Productos Básicos. Se trata de una evaluación equilibrada tanto de los múltiples problemas que enfrentan los mercados agrícolas internacionales, como de los aportes que está realizando la FAO en esta área.
Quisiera, sin embargo, aprovechar la oportunidad que se me brinda para hacer hincapié sobre algunos aspectos del documento que a juicio de la delegación argentina merecen mayor énfasis.
En tal sentido, debe destacarse el importante progreso logrado por el Acuerdo Agrícola de la Ronda Uruguay. No nos cabe duda que con la implementación progresiva de los consensos logrados, se irán acentuando las tendencias descritas en el párrafo 7 y que muchos países en desarrollo se verán beneficiados con la tonificación de los mercados agrícolas internacionales.
Las políticas de subvenciones a la producción agrícola, agravadas por las distorsiones que introducen en el comercio internacional de productos agrícolas, son una de las causas más relevantes de la difícil situación que hoy enfrentan muchos países en desarrollo importadores de alimentos.
El Acuerdo Agrícola alcanzado en la Ronda Uruguay ha sido concebido como una primera etapa en el proceso de liberalización del comercio agrícola. Le cabe a la FAO una tarea complementaria a la realizada en la OMC para asegurar el cabal cumplimiento del mismo que es fundamental para asegurar que los beneficios de la reforma agrícola internacional y de la liberalización del comercio de bienes, servicios y flujos de inversión lleguen a todo sus miembros en general y, particularmente, a los menos desarrollados y a los más dependientes en la importación de alimentos.
Tenemos confianza en que la mejor remuneración de la producción agrícola puede contribuir sustancialmente a que muchos países alcancen más elevados niveles de desarrollo económico y mayor independencia de las restricciones y angustias que impone la inseguridad alimentaria.
Nos complacen también, señor Presidente, las decisiones adoptadas por el Comité en lo referente al fortalecimiento de la tarea de los grupos intergubernamentales. Esto se refiere tanto a la elaboración de documentos más analíticos y concretos como al establecimiento de objetivos más nítidamente focalizados.
Señor Presidente, no se puede dejar de mencionar como un importante acierto la creciente relevancia que este Comité está otorgando a las conexiones existente entre el comercio, el medio ambiente y el desarrollo agrícola sostenible. Para mejorar la sostenibilidad ambiental de la agricultura resulta indisperisable contar con un sistema comercial más libre que reforzará la complementaridad entre el comercio y el medio ambiente.
Ahora que se han dado los primeros pasos en esta dirección le caben a la FAO dos importantes labores. Por un lado se encuentran las tareas de aplicación y seguimiento dispuestas por la Resolución 2/79 de la Conferencia en lo referido al seguimiento de las tendencias del proteccionismo en general, y más específicamente en sus manifestaciones más novedosas como pueden ser algunas formas que va adoptando el proteccionismo ecológico.
Por otro, cabe a la FAO contribuir a que sus miembros logren acceso a los medios técnicos que les permitan evaluar las consecuencias ambientales de los procesos de producción agrícola vigente y, eventualmente, cooperar en la propuesta de métodos de producción alternativos más innocuos con el medio ambiente.
Por último señor Presidente, se desea destacar la importancia que reviste la tarea de examen de las actividades del Subcomité Consultivo de Colocación de Excedentes, particularmente en lo referido a la revisión del catálogo de transacciones y análisis de aquéllas de la zona gris.
Salah HAMDI (Tunisie): En réalité je n'avais pas du tout l'intention d'intervenir dans ce débat sur le rapport du Comité des produits, d'autant plus que j'avais eu le privilège et la charge d'assurer la présidence de ce Comité. Je suis donc le principal témoin de l'ambiance dans laquelle ce projet a été adopté. Il a été adopté par acclamation à l'unanimité, moyennant de petites modifications proposées par certaines délégations. C'est un rapport jugé à l'époque excellent, qui tenait compte de tous les points de vue exprimés par tous les membres du Comité.
Toutefois, et devant l'ouverture d'un débat et les interventions de certaines délégations, je voudrais apporter très brièvement ma contribution, et naturellement je voudrais apporter mon appui au rapport tel qu'il est présenté. C'est un rapport qui peut être adopté sans problème par le Conseil, et qui peut être appuyé par certaines recommandations du Conseil.
Dans cette intervention très brève, je voudrais insister en particulier surles questions soulevées par le délégué de l'Egypte. Certaines interventions montrent une certaine réticence à propos de quelques questions, en particulier la question du suivi des accords d'Uruguay entre la FAO et l'OMC.
Nous reconnaissons volontiers que l'OMC est le principal organisme qui assure le suivi des accords d'Uruguay, mais au cours des débats du Comité des produits il a été convenu que la FAO avait un grand rôle à jouer, en collaboration avec les autres institutions, dont l'OMC, pour assurer le suivi agricole des accords d'Uruguay et fournir une aide essentiellement technique permettant aux Etats Membres d'assurer l'application la plus efficace possible des accords d'Uruguay.
Je voudrais insister particulièrement sur les paragraphes 27 à 34 du rapport, notamment sur les paragraphes 32 et 34 qui insistent sur le rôle de la FAO en matière d'aide technique aux pays en développement pour mettre en oeuvre les accords d'Uruguay, gérer au mieux ces accords, maîtriser leur incidence sur leurs économies, particulièrement leur incidence sur les balances commerciales des payements dans la mesure ou de nombreux pays connaissent des difficultés, notamment au Proche-Orient et en Afrique, surtout les pays importateurs nets car on a constaté qu'à priori la facture d'importation des produits de base par ces pays va augmenter en raison d'une augmentation éventuelle des prix sur le marché international. Ce faisant, la FAO collaborera avec les autres institutions, en particulier avec l'OMC et le Comité de l'agriculture de l'OMC.
J'insiste tout particulièrement sur les mesures d'assistance que la FAO prendra en faveur des pays importateurs nets, en raison de la décision ministérielle de Marrakech y compris de déclenchement des mesures d'aide financière pour compenser l'augmentation des factures d'importation.
Tout cela a été examiné par le Comité et je crois que le Conseil pourrait apporter son soutien à ces délibérations par une adoption à l'unanimité du rapport du Comité.
Pinit KORSIEPORN (Thailand): My delegation is very pleased with the Report which is well written, precise and to the point. We endorse the Report without difficulty at all and therefore I shall be very brief. My delegation wishes to echo the intervention of the Malaysian delegate on the tropical fruits. We fully share their view in requesting FAO to form an independent governmental group on tropical fruit if resources permit.
Raphaël RABE (Madagascar): Je suis désolé d'intervenir aussi tard mais j'aurai juste deux mots à dire.
Je voudrais appuyer l'intervention de la délégation de la Malaisie concernant les fruits tropicaux. Nous sommes déjà intervenus sur ce point lors de la session du Comité et nous pensons qu'il est nécessaire de ne pas perdre de vue qu'à terme il faudrait envisager la création d'un groupe intergouvernemental. Nous comprenons la position intermédiaire du Comité et nous pensons qu'à l'issue de la consultation qui sera tenue à Kuala Lumpur on pourra prendre une décision sur ce point.
EL PRESIDENTE: Si no hay ningún otro miembro del Consejo u observador que desee hacer uso de la palabra, me voy a permitir pedirle al doctor De Haen que haga algunas declaraciones finales si las tiene.
H. de HAEN (Assistant Director-General, Economic and Social Policy Department): I can be extremely brief on behalf of my colleagues and staff of the Secretariat. I only want to thank the Council for the expressions of appreciation, for their guidance and encouragement of our work. We will do our best to execute your instructions to the best of our ability.
EL PRESIDENTE: Para resumir el debate me permito decir que el Consejo endosó el Informe del 60° período de sesiones del Comité de Problemas de Productos Básicos y elogió su trabajo que era una guía útil para la Organización. Encomió también a la Secretaría por la labor realizada y le instó a que continuara activamente en este sentido.
El Consejo tomó nota del debate sostenido en el Comité y lo reprodujo en parte al discutir este tema.
Tomó nota, en particular, de que los precios internacionales de productos básicos que exportan a países en desarrollo se habían recuperado, aunque lamentaba que varios países, principalmente de bajos ingresos, en Africa no tuvieran un beneficio apreciable de estos aumentos. Se lamentó que los precios reales se encontraran a un bajo nivel a principio de los años ochenta. Varias delegaciones notaron que prevalecían subsidios a la exportación de productos agrícolas y apoyo amplio a agricultores en países industrializados. Se acogió el análisis del Comité sobre el impacto de la Ronda Uruguay sobre varios aspectos que requerían atención por parte de la FAO y, sobre todo, en asistir a países en desarrollo. Al respecto se consideró que era necesario examinar de nuevo las políticas nacionales, conforme al párrafo 33, y se coincidió con la decisión de que los grupos intergubernamentales de productos básicos mejoraran su eficiencia y funcionamiento, recortaran su número y se orientaran a un análisis de formulación de políticas más efectivo.
Se acordó con el programa del Comité continuar trabajando en la vinculación del comercio, medio ambiente y desarrollo agrícola.
El Consejo tomó nota de otras recomendaciones relativas al trabajo de los grupos intergubernamentales en particular la inclusión de temas específicos como el de frutos tropicales y asegurar un foro intergubernamental para su tratamiento, conforme al párrafo 23.
Finalmente se acordó también que el Subcomité Consultivo de Colocación de Excedentes revise los principios sobre la colocación de excedentes siguiendo su incorporación en el Acuerdo sobre la agricultura de la Ronda Uruguay y en cooperación con la OMC.
Otras formulaciones se hicieron, no las he recogido aquí todas. Creo que mi resumen debe ser breve, ya que éstas están incluidas en el verbatim.
La delegación de Egipto desea intervenir.
Adel M. ABOUL-NAGA (Egypt): There is just one point, Mr Chairman, which you have missed in your summary which is the net food imported countries besides the least developed ones and so I would like to highlight that. The net food imported countries will also be affected and so that should be mentioned.
EL PRESIDENTE: A mi me parece que lo había mencionado, es decir que el Comité acogió el análisis sobre el impacto de la Ronda Uruguay y sobre todo en lo que se refería a los países importadores de alimentos. Pero, en todo caso, se ha tomado nota de su punto; ha sido ya recogido en otras ocasiones al discutir los temas 5 y 4.
Distinguidos delegados si no hay otras observaciones, me permito dar por concluido el Tema 10 de nuestra agenda y pasar a la aprobación del Informe del Comité de Agricultura en su 13° período de sesiones.
Distinguidos delegados para presentar el Tema 6, Informe del 13° período de sesiones del Comité de Agricultura, le voy a pedir al señor Sawadogo que nos ofrezca sus comentarios.
A. SAWADOGO (Sous-Directeur général, Département de l'agriculture): La treizième session du COAG s'est déroulée en une seule semaine, la dernière du mois de mars 1995, en application des nouvelles dispositions relatives à ce genre de réunion. L'expérience a été positive malgré un ordre du jour très chargé.
Notre introduction ne concernera pas les recommandations du COAG sur le rapport d'évaluation du programme 1994-95, et le Programme de travail et budget 1996-97 qui font l'objet des points 15 et 16. Pas plus que je ne parlerai des résultats de la troisième session du Sous-Comité sur le développement durable que d'autres collègues vous exposeront.
Le rapport de la treizième session du Comité de l'agriculture qui est soumis à votre attention pour décision traite en particulier des ressources zoogénétiques, de la révision des normes pour l'harmonisation de la quarantaine végétale, de la procédure d'adoption de ces normes, de l'application du Code international pour la distribution des pesticides et notamment de la procédure dite de consentement préalable. Il sera enfin question de l'étude analytique demandée par le COAG pour le Conseil sur le bien-fondé du transfert du COAG au Comité de la sécurité alimentaire de tout ce qui concerne les questions nutritionnelles.
En principe, notre objectif est d'indiquer aux membres du Conseil les développements nouveaux intervenus depuis la treizième session du Conseil. Pour ce faire, il nous faudra néanmoins les mettre en perspective.
S'agissant des ressources zoogénétiques, le COAG a débattu de deux problèmes. D'abord celui de la stratégie globale et régionale en la matière. Tout en reconnaissant que la FAO est l'organisation la mieux placée pour développer une telle stratégie et pour apporter aux Etats Membres, notamment ceux en développement ou en transition, le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour agir au niveau national, le COAG a recommandé que la stratégie de la FAO soit structurée de telle sorte qu'elle puisse être menée à bonne fin à partir des seules ressources du programme régulier. Compte tenu des perspectives budgétaires actuelles, autant dire que la stratégie en question resterait à un niveau embryonnaire à moins que la Conférence des donateurs que le COAG a également demandé au Secrétariat de réunir n'autorise des espoirs, s'agissant d'apports complémentaires. Nous serions très reconnaissants au Conseil de bien vouloir nous indiquer par les voies qui lui paraîtraient les meilleures, s'il y a lieu de nourrir de tels espoirs et donc de tenir une telle conférence.
Le second problème en matière de ressources zoogénétiques concerne l'élargissement des attributions de la Commission sur les ressources phytogénétiques à l'ensemble des organismes concourant à la production agricole et à l'alimentation, en commençant par les ressources zoogénétiques. Le COAG encourage le Conseil à adopter une résolution recommandant un tel élargissement à la vingt-troisième session de la Conférence et que cet élargissement se fasse par étapes en prenant soin de n'entraver ni les travaux de la Commission sur les ressources phytogénétiques, ni les préparatifs en vue de la tenue en juin 1996 de la quatrième Conférence technique sur les ressources phytogénétiques. Le COAG propose enfin que l'élargissement de la Commission s'accompagne de la création de commissions techniques à répartition géographique équilibrée, spécialisées par catégories de ressources (phytogénétiques, zoogénétiques, forestières et des pêches).
Ces commissions doivent-elles être composées d'experts représentant leurs gouvernements ou doivent-t-ils être choisis en vertu de leurs capacités professionnelles? La réponse à cette question comporte des implications notamment financières. Les directives du Conseil sont sollicitées sur ce point.
S'agissant d'harmonisation de la quarantaine végétale le COAG a imaginé des procédures possédant la vertu d'allier la sauvegarde de la rigueur de la démarche à la volonté d'aboutir, rapidement, à l'élaboration d'un cadre juridique cohérent, rendu indispensable par le succès des négociations d'Uruguay.
Ainsi le COAG a-t-il approuvé, en principe, deux normes, celle relative aux directives pour l'analyse des risques phytosanitaires et le Code international de conduite pour l'importation et le lâcher des agents exotiques de lutte biologique et instruit le Secrétariat de les soumettre directement au Conseil si le Comité des experts sur les mesures phytosanitaires parvenait à un accord consensuel quant aux modifications proposées par certains des membres du COAG. Le CEMP s'est réuni et a abouti à un consensus sur ces modifications (les amendements en question sont inclus dans le document CL 108/9-Sup.2 qui vous a été distribué).
S'agissant de la norme sur les exigences en matière d'établissement de zones exemptes d'organismes nuisibles, elle n'a pas été présentée au COAG faute de consensus au niveau des experts; ce consensus a été réalisé par la suite après la réunion du COAG. Le Comité avait néanmoins décidé de recommander que, si un tel consensus avait été réalisé, le Secrétariat aille de l'avant et présente également cette norme au Conseil alors que la procédure normale aurait voulu que l'on retourne devant le quatorzième COAG au printemps de 1997, avant d'en saisir le Conseil puis la Conférence. Cette proposition est donc elle aussi soumise à votre décision.
Allant plus loin dans l'examen des procédures, le COAG a recommandé, pour des raisons exposées au paragraphe 54 du document CL 108/9, que le Conseil recommande et que la Conférence décide de la suppression de l'étape 9 (acceptation officielle par les gouvernements).
Enfin, s'agissant du Code de conduite pour la distribution des pesticides et plus spécialement de l'initiative visant à élaborer un instrument juridiquement contraignant sur l'information et le consentement préalables, il vous souvient sans doute que la Conférence sur la sécurité chimique tenue à Stockholm, en Suède, en avril 1994 et la Commission du développement durable, lors de ses travaux à New York en mai 1994 et en avril 1995, ont encouragé le PNUE et la FAO à poursuivre leur collaboration en la matière, en étroite coopération avec d'autres organisations internationales. Le COAG s'est prononcé dans le même sens.
Il nous paraît donc important de rendre compte de la décision prise par le Conseil d'administration du PNUE, au cours de sa dix-huitième session à Nairobi, au Kenya, du 15 du 26 mai 1995; ce Conseil d'administration a en effet adopté une résolution de politique générale invitant le PNUE, en concertation avec la FAO, à réunir un comité intergouvernemental de négociations "dès que possible mais pas plus tard qu'en janvier 1996", et à "convoquer une conférence diplomatique ayant pour objet l'adoption et la signature de l'instrument international juridiquement contraignant propre à assurer l'application de la procédure de consentement préalable en connaissance de cause dans le cas de certaines substances chimiques dangereuses (y compris les pesticides) qui font l'objet du commerce international, de préférence au début de 1997".
Enfin, sous la rubrique "Divers", le COAG a donné son accord de principe au transfert à la Commission sur la sécurité alimentaire de toute discussion relative aux problèmes de nutrition, sous réserve que soit présenté au Conseil un document analysant les implications d'un tel transfert. Cette étude fait l'objet du document CL 108/9 Sup.1 qui vous sera présenté par mon collègue du Département économique et social. Ce document n'appelle aucune remarque particulière de la part du Département de l'agriculture, mis à part quelques corrections éditoriales que nous allons suggérer d'apporter à la version finale.
EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, señor Sawadogo por esta amplia y clara exposición del informe del COAG. Ustedes notarán, distinguidos delegados que los temas de que trata este Informe son particularmente complejos y diversos. Hay algunos de ellos, que les recuerdo, que en verdad corresponden a los temas 15 y 16 de nuestra agenda; los párrafos que tienen un contenido de carácter presupuestario, me refiero del 6 al 31, ésos habíamos convenido se tocaran bajo el Tema 16, conforme lo podrán encontrar en el documento LIM/3.
Bien, distinguidos delegados, con las observaciones introductorias del señor Sawadogo y con éstas últimas mías, les suplico que tomen en cuenta que el propósito principal de nuestro debate, ahora, no está en repetir el informe del COAG, sino en endosarlo.
Mme María de Lourdes MARTINS DUARTE (Cap-Vert): Je remercie tout d'abord le Directeur du Département de l'agriculture pour la présentation de ce point de l'ordre du jour et de toutes les questions restant en suspens qui font l'objet du document supplémentaire 1. Le rapport du COAG, document CL 108/9 étant déjà approuvé par ma délégation, en tant que membre de ce comité, permettez-nous toutefois de donner notre avis sur les questions qui demandent une décision du Conseil. S'agissant notamment du paragraphe 39 nous sommes favorables à l'élargissement du mandat de la Commission des ressources phytogénétiques à d'autres organismes présentant un intérêt pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture. Nous tenons à féliciter le Comité d'experts sur les ressources phytosanitaires pour la profondeur de l'examen des normes pour l'harmonisation de la quarantaine végétale et la pertinence des recommandations qui nous sont présentées dans le document 108/9-Sup. 2. Nous approuvons ces deux normes et les recommandons à l'adoption de la Conférence.
Pour ce qui est du paragraphe 70, nous remercions le Secrétariat pour l'analyse présentée dans le supplément 1 qui nous permet de donner notre avis favorable pour le transfert au Comité de sécurité alimentaire à titre expérimental du point permanent de l'ordre du jour du COAG consacré à la nutrition. Nous sauvegardons néanmoins la souveraineté du Conseil et de la Conférence pour confier périodiquement certaines questions nutritionnelles à tout autre organe.
John Bruce SHARPE (Australia): Australia was pleased to be able to take an active part in the discussions at the session of COAG. In the case of the Programme Implementation Report and the short- medium- and long-term priorities listed there, we believe that, in general, the matters listed for attention by this Council in the Report are constructive ones. We are pleased to see that a number of them reflect the views that we expressed at COAG.
Our views were expressed at COAG but I would like to stress a number of the ones that are listed in the front of the document on page iii. These include closer cooperation with other UN Organizations and other international bodies, regional and national organizations, NGOs and the private sector. We believe cooperation to be an extremely important function of this Organization which can only lead to benefits. We support the accelerated follow-up to UNCED; better feedback of evaluation findings; priority ranking that has been given to nutrition; IPM continuing to receive high priority in 1996-97; the inclusion of Foot-and-Mouth disease in the EMPRES System as soon as possible and that this should be addressed in the Asian Pacific Region; research development to be given priority; strengthening the development of food quality and safety standards by Codex Alimentarius and Phytosanitary Standards under the IPPC; and, in order to improve agricultural trade, the provision of assistance and policy advice to member countries so that they may adapt to the changes arising from the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture.
My delegation supports the COAG assessment of the importance of implementing the Global Strategy for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources. However, we also acknowledge the COAG observation that the strategy is ambitious and calls for considerable resources, including extra-budgetary resources. We consider, however, that priority should continue to be given within the existing budget to the work on plant genetic resources at this stage. We would urge active and practical collaboration with other interested agencies that might be willing to share technical expertise and take on appropriate tasks, in particular the Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological advice to the Convention on Biodiversity.
With respect to matching resources to the rate of implementation of the Strategy, more work will need to be done on developing a detailed, prioritized, costed action plan, presumably by the proposed Animal Genetic Resources Working Group of the proposed broadened Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Australia supports the broadening of the mandate of the Commission and the recommendation that this begin with animal genetic resources. We also have no difficulty with the interim arrangements suggested in paragraphs 40 and 41 of the Council Agenda paper.
Australia is strongly of the view that the sectoral working groups should be composed of government representatives because we see the groups being asked by the Commission to do work on issues of policy. Quite clearly, in doing their work the groups should, however, be given the flexibility to call on technical experts. They should also be directed to collaborate with other groups working on complementary issues (e.g. the Convention on Biodiversity).
Concerning UNCED follow-up, we agree with the COAG recommendation in paragraph 42 that adequate resources be allocated in the 1996/97 Programme of Work and Budget. This would not necessarily mean additional resources but rather a better management and focus of existing programmes to deliver on UNCED outcomes.
In the area of plant quarantine harmonization, FAO is to be congratulated on the standards development programme initiated and driven by it. It is essential that the IPPC Secretariat be given the resources necessary to continue this work and to undertake the necessary communication with Convention signatories. It is in the interests of all Member Governments to see this programme continue.
I would like to address the recommendation at paragraph 55. The Committee recommended that the matter of the amendment of the International Plant Protection Convention be discussed at the next FAO Conference with the aim of bringing the Convention into line with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement of the Uruguay Round and recent developments in establishing standard setting machinery under the IPPC.
My delegation sees the amendment of the International Plant Protection Convention as an essential element of the setting of harmonized International Plant Quarantine Standards and one that will see very significant
benefits flow to all FAO member countries. These benefits will be from greater protection of agricultural production against the introduction of exotic pests and diseases, as well as providing for increased opportunities to export agricultural products. International Plant Quarantine Standards will be of limited value in providing quarantine protection and facilitating trade if the Convention on which international cooperation on these matters depends is deficient. As it now stands, the text of the Convention and its annexes do not reflect the recent outcomes of the GATT/WTO Uruguay Round, nor does it support the standards in place or under development.
Under Article XIII of the Convention, amendments involving important technical changes or imposing additional amendments on contracting parties require FAO to convene an advisory committee of specialists. It would appear that amendments necessary to bring the Convention up to date would involve such changes and obligations. My delegation believes that the time is now ripe to put the proposal to the FAO Conference, because to lose the opportunity for another two years is not in the best interests of the harmonization process that the Organization has initiated through the Convention Secretariat, or of international trade in agricultural products generally. The achievements of the Secretariat and Committee of Experts on Phytosanitary Measures in the development of standards for plant quarantine have been exceptional but have, ironically, highlighted that the Convention needs to be updated. Australia believes that a complete review and revision of the Convention is not necessarily called for, but that it may be possible for clear terms of reference to be developed, perhaps in consultation with Regional Plant Protection Organizations, on which parts of the Convention need examination.
My delegation supports referral of the Code of Conduct for the Import and Release of Exotic Biological Control Agents to the 1995 FAO Conference for endorsement as an international standard. We also strongly support referral of the guidelines for pest risk analysis to the 1995 FAO Conference for endorsement as an international standard. The pest risk analysis process plays a key role in ensuring that plant quarantine standards are justified scientifically, transparent and open to challenge if not soundly based. This standard will have very significant benefits to all member countries who trade in, or aspire to trade in, agricultural products. We also support referral of the Requirements for the Establishment of a Pest Free Area to the 1995 FAO Conference for endorsement as an international standard.
In supporting this action, Australia notes the key role of the proposed standard in meeting the quarantine security requirements of importing countries in a way that does not involve the post-harvest treatment of commodities, thereby ensuring better quality and safer exports. These standards will assist all countries to better protect their agriculture from the introduction of exotic pests and diseases.
EL PRESIDENTE: Quiero simplemente hacer una pequeña observación en lo que se refiere a la aplicación de la CNUMAD en los preparativos para el tercer período de sesiones de la Comisión de Desarrollo Sostenible. Este tema de preferencia lo vamos a tocar bajo el Tema 12 de nuestra agenda. Si pueden ustedes posponer el tratamiento para después, se lo agradecería.
Adel M. ABOUL-NAGA (Egypt) (Original language Arabic): Thank you Mr Chairman I should like to express my support, give my views on this Report and congratulate Mr Sawadogo on the presentation which was very clear and which covered all the main points in the Report. We were also given explanations and clarifications on the way in which the Secretariat has handled some of the recommendations which are included in the Report.
I should like to reaffirm the great importance that we and other developing countries ascribe to the activities of FAO in agriculture. We greatly appreciate the technical assistance which is provided by FAO to all developing countries. Agriculture is a source of income for a large number of the nationals of developing countries and it is also the main source of food security.
I should now like briefly to refer to certain points which were mentioned in the Report and I would like to stress these particular points. We fully agree with what was stated in the Report concerning the great importance of animal genetic resources. We think that they have not yet been given the importance which is their due. These resources are therefore endangered now.
We would like to stress the importance of the Council's decision at the 103rd Session to establish a centre for domestic animal diversity in order to define FAO's role and to safeguard animal genetic resources. We are very much aware of the financial difficulties which the Organization has to cope with but we do hope, nevertheless, that this Resolution will be implemented during the present biennium. Otherwise it would be very difficult for us to implement it in the future.
We also support the Committee's recommendation for the expansion of the terms of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other categories of organisms. We think that this could be undertaken by technical groups which might be set up immediately after adoption of the Resolution by the Conference, and these bodies could report to the Committee on Agriculture in the future.
As to plant protection, we think that this is a very important issue, particularly the question of plant health and resistance and biodiversity. This is important as far as protecting the environment is concerned and also, of course, the increase in agricultural production.
As to transferring all matters concerning nutrition to the Food Security Committee, we think that this is very important at this time when the Food Security Committee is taking part in preparing the World Food Summit, and we think that this is a major step which will enable us to have a clear view of the situation and that the transfer of this matter back to COAG could be looked at again at a later stage.
Hiroshi AKIYAMA (Japan): On this agenda item my delegation is happy to endorse in principle the Report of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG). However, as was discussed in the last COAG meeting, the two phytosanitary standards that were endorsed in principle were subject to review by the Committee of Experts on Phytosanitary Measures (CEPM) and discussions at this Council Session. Therefore, Mr Chairman, I would like to explain the operation of the proposed measures of the phytosanitary standards paragraph by paragraph taking the document CL 108/9,.the Report of COAG.
Our first point is concerning paragraph 52 of the Report. Japan has a specific suggestion on Guidelines for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). As a premise of PRA, provisional phytosanitary measures as provided for in paragraph 7 of Article 5 in the SPS Agreement should be referred to in the guidelines. In other words, as regards the pests and commodities on which PRA cannot be conducted because of insufficiency of relevant scientific evidence or is not completed, a member concerned may adopt appropriate phytosanitary measures on the basis of available pertinent information.
Our suggestion is as follows: According to the PRA Guidelines, phytosanitary measures can be determined when a whole stage of the PRA is finished. That is, in case that PRA cannot be conducted by lack of information or the PRA has not been conducted yet, the situation on the application of such measures is vague. As it is very likely that such situations take place, it is necessary to address in the PRA Guidelines how to deal with them. It is natural that the appropriate provisional phytosanitary measures to these pests and commodities should be adopted based on the predictable risk as stated in the SPS Agreement, Article 5, paragraph 7.
Japan recognizes that the issue above is very important and strongly recommends that our suggested text be inserted into the final PRA Guidelines. It should be noted that the suggestion would allow developing countries which will make or are making efforts in implementing the PRA to apply provisional phytosanitary measures before the PRA process is completed, and allow the countries who have adopted the import permission system to justify the suspension of the import of commodities into their countries until they permit the import.
Mr Chairman, regarding this point on the PRA draft standards, we are happy to submit our concrete written proposal to the Secretariat later. Regarding the Code of Conduct for the Import and Release of Exotic Biological Control Agents, substantial changes have been made by the IPPC Secretariat to the draft after the consultation with the RPPOs and FAO Members. Therefore, it is too early to put forward the draft code to the Council for its approval before the RPPOs and FAO Members examined the revised draft.
Our second comment is on paragraph 53 of the Report regarding the Requirements for the Establishment of a Pest Free Area. The Japanese Government is not able to confirm the contents of the guidelines to be approved
by the Council, because it has not received the final draft from FAO through the formal channel. Because of the substantial importance of the guidelines, comparable to the Guidelines for Pest Risk Analysis, Japan strongly recommends that the opinions or proposals submitted by member countries and the current draft guidelines, if different from the former proposal, should be circulated to each RPPO and member, and that the sufficient opportunity for consideration on the revised draft should be given.
Regarding the procedure to develop international standards, the procedures adopted by the Conference are binding as discussed in COAG. Japan joins some other members which expressed concerns in COAG against the procedure deviation, having a view that international standards on phytosanitary measures should be developed according to the normal procedure.
We have also some comments on paragraphs 55 and 56 of the Report. On paragraph 55, concerning the matter of the IPPC amendment procedures, detailed information should be available to the member countries throughout the discussion process to ensure transparency.
On paragraph 56, regarding the information exchange, the contents to be exchanged should be sufficiently reviewed to avoid duplication of the works by other organizations.
Hyun-Woo CHO (Korea, Republic of): First of all, my delegation would like to begin with heart-felt congratulations on your election as Chairman, since this is my first floor of the Council. My delegation also extends its appreciation to the Secretariat on the preparation of the concise and informative document CL 108/9.
In principle, my delegation endorses the Report of the 13th Session of COAG and, in addition, makes a few brief comments on two issues.
First, with regard to the Programme Implementation Report, my delegation is happy to commend FAO's effort for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries (TCDC), which is incorporated in the newly initiated TCDC Agreement on the Use of Experts.
The fact that 56 Member Nations have already signed that Agreement and FAO has received 1 600 offers of service shows the overall support of the international community.
My delegation considers TCDC activity to be cost-effective based on these three following reasons.
First, as the globalization of the world economy is expanding there has been a growing gap of economic development among developing countries, which leaves growing possibility of sharing experiences and transferring techniques among developing countries.
Second, human resources development, which was stressed by the Committee as a primary resource for ensuring sustainable food security, can be best achieved by TCDC programmes, because the exact demand of developing countries for their developing human resources can be met by other developing countries with lots of successful experience in this area.
Third, TCDC can be used as a tool to compensate for declining resources taking note of the above-mentioned factors. My government is actively participating in TCDC activities, specially by implementing lots of human resources training programmes of Korean International Cooperation Agencies. Also, my government is under way to take part in TCDC Agreements on the Use of Experts which is initiated by FAO.
In this context, my delegation would like to recommend that FAO foster TCDC activities on food and agriculture by following up the results of the 9th Session of TCDC High-level Committee, which was held from 30th May to 2nd June in New York. In addition to that, my delegation is of the view that FAO should pay special attention to the so-called triangular funding system as a means of financing TCDC activities.
With regard to FAO's assistance in adopting the changes arising from the Uruguay Round on Agriculture which is described in paragraph 19, FAO should take note of the multi-dimensional nature of agriculture arising from differences of economic development and make a different assistance policy utilized.
Kamaruzzaman ALIAS (Malaysia): Firstly, my delegation would like to commend the Secretariat for the precise manner it presents issues for decisions for endorsement. This may perhaps set the pace for in-depth discussion on the core issues rather than examining the more peripheral issues.
Touching on the subject of priorities for Major Programme in Agriculture for 1996-97, my delegation fully supports that poverty alleviation, food security and nutrition should rank high among FAO priorities.
On the subject of human development, my delegation would recommend the approach that would leave lasting impact on the participants and at the same time encourage national policy makers to expand human development programmes on a much wider scale. While previously the approach has been one of classroom teaching or filed demonstration, it would be timely to consider other alternatives such as, in situ human development on a specific area or Village Based Human Development Project. This would allow participants to be involved right from the start in planning and implementing stages. The pride in the achievements of the participants in carrying out development in their village area acts as a catalyst for development in other areas. This approach has the further advantage of being able to accommodate environmental consideration and participation of women in development, as it is implemented on a limited area basis with the consensus of the inhabitants of that area.
Mr Chairman, with regard to Integrated Pest Management, the project has been successfully carried out in Malaysia since 1986. Its success lies in the building up of team spirit of the local communities participating in the project to solve local problems. My delegation endorses the continuation of this project in line with the recommendation of the Committee of Agriculture.
Mr Chairman, Sir, as regards the broadening of the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other categories of organisms used for food and agriculture, my delegation has supported the idea in earlier fora. If need be, for procedural reasons, we shall repeat our endorsement on the same subject.
On the view of the standards for plant quarantine harmonization which shall eventually serve as the reference point for the WTO's Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, my delegation adopts the same standard as that of the representatives from Asia-Pacific for the Committee of Experts for Phytosanitary Measures (CEPM). My delegation also endorses the Standards on Guidelines for Pest Risk Analysis and International Code of Conduct on the Import and Release of Exotic Biological Control Agents which have been approved by COAG.
On the third Standard, i.e. the Requirement for the Establishement of a Pest Free Area, which reached consensus at the recent CEPM at the second attempt, this needs special procedural endorsement along with the endorsement of the particular Standard. While Malaysia joins the consensus of the CEPM on the subject matter, the issue of procedures by exemption, i.e. without going to COAG in the first instance, before tabling at the Council, needs special attention. In view of the urgency of the matter, and that it would take two years, that is, until March 1997, to go back to COAG, this merits special consideration but, as with many exemptions, could lead to the creation of precedent. Thus, Malaysia's support for this subject to be considered by the Council and presented to Conference is qualified in that it should be the only such instance in FAO.
Malaysia joins in supporting the report of COAG.
José ROBLES AGUILAR (México): Mi delegación, señor Presidente, desea hacer algunos comentarios al documento bajo consideración.
Con relación al apartado 2 del Informe del 13° período de sesiones del Comité de Agricultura, observamos que en los documentos de trabajo del Comité no se incluyó un resumen del Programa principal de agricultura con datos provisionales sobre los recursos que se destinarían al mismo para el bienio siguiente. Creemos que esta información resulta de gran importancia para conocer la dimensión que se otorga a las actividades en esta esfera.
De igual manera, consideramos importante que se profundice en el análisis preliminar sobre los posibles efectos que tendrá la implementación de los Acuerdos de Agricultura de la Ronda Uruguay, en especial en los países menos desarrollados que son importadores netos de alimentos, así como llevar un seguimiento para evitar los desajustes derivados de la aplicación de los Convenios de Marrakesh.
En relación al apartado 5 del documento, donde se menciona la posibilidad de aprobar, a través de un procedimiento irregular, la norma "Requisitos para el establecimiento de zonas libres de plagas", advertimos con preocupación la pretensión por desvirtuar la intención inicial de esta norma. En este sentido, queremos resaltar la extensa experiencia de mi país en el establecimiento de áreas libres al haber utilizado por primera vez este tipo de medidas fitosanitarias. Consideramos que no deben aplicarse mecanismos de aprobación que no se ajusten al procedimiento normal cuando se trata de aprobar una norma de fuerte controversia.
En concreto, respecto del párrafo 54 en el que se recomienda la eliminación de la Fase 9 para la elaboración y aprobación de normas, mi país estima que ello debe ser reconsiderado particularmente a la luz de que esta decisión implicaría la exclusión de la participación de expertos fitosanitarios nacionales en la decisiones correspondientes. A este respecto, es relevante considerar que con anterioridad al establecimiento del secretariado de la Convención Internacional de Protección Fitosanitaria, las autoridades de los países podían participar en la elaboración de normas fitosanitarias a través de consultas técnicas con las organizaciones regionales de protección fitosanitaria. Sin embargo, de acuerdo al procedimiento de aprobación vigente, esta consulta podría tener una participación cada vez menor en la elaboración y aprobación de normas, por lo cual consideramos conveniente que se mantenga la Fase 9 de procedimiento.
Con relación a la propuesta para ampliar el mandato de la Comisión de Recursos Fitogéneticos, incluida en el párrafo 39, queremos expresar el interés de mi país en que los grupos de trabajo sectoriales, que se prevén, estén integrados por representantes gubernamentales.
Respecto al párrafo 70, estimamos adecuado que el debate de las cuestiones relacionadas con la nutrición pase al Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, particularmente a la luz de la propuesta para que éste se constituya en el Comité Preparatorio de la Cumbre Alimentaria.
Por otra parte deseamos referirnos al párrafo 27 del informe en relación a la propuesta para constituir un Comité de Ganadería. Estimamos que social y económicamente esta actividad reviste una particular relevancia para muchos países en desarrollo. Adicionalmente, la ganadería es una importante fuente de proteínas de buena calidad para las poblaciones de estos países. Debemos considerar de igual manera la contribución de esta actividad para la agricultura sostenible de las naciones. Creemos que es conveniente madurar esta propuesta y que la importancia que la Organización debe brindar a las actividades ganaderas se reflejen también en un futuro programa principal de la Organización dedicado a este sector.
Noah M. NKAMBULE (Swaziland): First of all, I would like to thank the Secretariat and the Committee on Agriculture for making available to us the high-quality document presently under discussion. My comments, Mr Chairman, are not aimed at opening the debate on the issues that were ably deliberated on by the Committee but to point out issues that my delegation considers to be important to it and also to the Council.
May I first refer to paragraph 9 of document CL 108/9, where the Committee concluded that sustainable increases in food production and productivity are essential to food security. This conclusion is further confirmed in paragraph 24. My delegation considers this conclusion and observation to be very important and crucial to food-deficit, developing countries. In other words, food security should not mean unqualified reliance on food imports without exhausting all local and national capacities of production and productivity. Secondly, under the broad item of medium- and long-term priorities as contained in paragraphs 15-21 of the document under discussion, my delegation wishes to stress the element of human development, particularly with respect to agricultural extensions, management in agriculture, and agricultural policy development. As more local and donor resources become limited, very serious and pertinent questions are being asked about the effectiveness or otherwise of extension services, management practices and agricultural policy arrangements in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. My delegation therefore strongly believes that FAO should treat these as priority areas for assistance to member countries, particularly those in developing areas.
My delegation also takes note of paragraph 17 of the document, where member countries are urged to apply appropriate management practices on natural resources such as water and land. This appeal is particularly relevant to small countries such as Swaziland, which are increasingly confronted with challenges to the rational utilization of their limited resources in a situation where demand for these resources is escalating because of high population growth rates. In this regard, we would like to express our appreciation to FAO for supporting the recently completed project on land-use planning and rational utilization of land and water resources. The project succeeded in demarcating areas suitable for specific crops based on scientific analysis of soils and climatic resources.
With respect to paragraph 23 of the document, my delegation strongly feels that agricultural extension services in developing countries have tended to approach the problems of the small farmer from a very fragmented and myopic point of view. The suggestion contained in this paragraph to adopt a farming systems approach is therefore very much appreciated.
The concept of farm management and agricultural marketing should be part and parcel of an extension worker programme. Crop diversification, as reflected in paragraph 24, is indeed very appropriate particularly in those areas prone to drought and other natural calamities. My delegation further wishes to suggest that some developing countries be assisted to diversify back to their indigenous crops, which were more adaptable to marginal conditions than some of the recently introduced exotic crops.
Furthermore, Mr Chairman, we are in full agreement with paragraph 27 of the same document that the livestock sector provides an important contribution to the rural economies of a number of developing countries. Swaziland is no exception to this rule. In this regard, we would like to commend FAO for making available technical assistance through a TCP to carry out a review of the livestock sector during the year 1994. The information generated through this study has become essential in guiding our policies and programmes and in transforming the livestock industry through small-scale commercial enterprises in the rural areas.
Mr Chairman, my delegation wishes to endorse in principle the Committee's recommendation to broaden the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other organisms of interest to food and agriculture. We concur with the Committee's view that a cautious approach should be adopted in broadening this mandate, particularly with respect to maintaining professional and technical competence and taking into account the financial implications.
Lastly, Mr Chairman, my delegation wishes to support the recommendation in paragraph 61 to review and update the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides. Some countries which have not yet finalized their pesticide legislation, like Swaziland, have found this Code to be very useful. I also wish to thank the FAO for assisting Swaziland in formulating draft legislation on the use and distribution of pesticides.
With these few comments, Mr Chairman, my delegation wishes to endorse the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Committee on Agriculture.
James W. SCHROEDER (United States of America): The United States endorses the report of the Thirteenth Session of the Committee on Agriculture. As noted in the matters requiring attention by the Council, COAG rendered a number of judgements but also left some important questions for the Council to answer. We will now give some of our comments on a few of the substantive issues and some we will defer to a later, more appropriate time, per the request of the Chairman. We believe, however, that the Council should applaud COAG for accomplishing its business in one week instead of the traditional two weeks.
We joined others at COAG who appreciate FAO's comprehensive global strategy on animal genetic resources but cautioned against excessive reliance on extra-budgetary resources. We strongly support the Secretary's well-conceived proposal to broaden FAO's Commission on Plant Genetic Resources in a deliberate, step-by-step manner, commencing with animal genetic resources. In our view, the formation of small sectorial technical expert working groups is the key to efficient, scientifically driven policy guidance for each sector under the broadened Commission. Utilization of Government experts would not be prohibited under this
proposal but it would probably not include Permanent Representatives, as is now the case with the working group on Plant Genetic Resources.
We want FAO's work in the technical areas to be guided by technically-competent advisers rather than political generalists whose expertise will be needed in the political forum of the expanded Commission.
The United States is pleased that standards are being developed for plant quarantine harmonization. We concur with all of the COAG recommendations and support the text amendments agreed to by the Committee of Experts on Phytosanitary Measures. We also support, as have other speakers here this morning, bringing these standards to the Conference for adoption.
Regarding FAO's follow-up to the ICN we believe it is important to maintain momentum and continually seek new ways of enhancing global nutrition. FAO's work in this area should include the completion of the follow-up meetings for all regions so that all Member Nations can report on the national plans of action and recent developments in nutrition.
We also want to reiterate the importance of the ACC Sub-Committee on nutrition in promoting cooperation on nutrition activities. Finally, we support the shift of the standing item on nutrition from COAG to CFS but this shift should in no way detract from discussing FAO's Nutrition Programme of Work during COAG.
Marco Antonio DINIZ BRANDÄO (Brazil): First of all I would like to thank Mr Sawadogo for his introduction of the matter. I will be very brief, Mr Chairman, as my delegation has had the opportunity of intervening extensively during the 13th Session of the Committee on Agriculture.
My comments will be limited to the question of broadening the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other categories of organisms used for food and agriculture.
My delegation has indicated in the Commission that we consider it really premature to discuss the broadening of the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources at a time when that body is very busy discussing complex and delicate questions. We were not able to break the consensus, however, in the understanding that the process of broadening the mandate will be a very cautious one and will adopt a step by step pace which will not disturb the current.activities of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources.
On the shape of a future expanded Commission and its structure, my delegation feels that it may be practical to consider the creation of advisory sectional working groups which could assess the Commission in its tasks. We must emphasize, however, our opinion that the composition of such groups has not only budgetary and administrative implications but also very clearly political ones. We strongly support, as the delegations of Australia and Mexico did, an intergovernment composition of such groups. Only in such a way can we expect full and democratic classification of the countries represented here and who have clear vested interests in the matter and clear transparent proceeding and results in the discussion of the matters that have at this stage, beyond technical aspects, strong political implications that would affect countries even in the exercise of their sovereign rights.
Soetatwo HADIWIGENO (Indonesia): First allow me to congratulate the Committee and its Chairman on their excellent work. With regard to the idea of broadening the mandate of FAO's Commission on Plant Genetic Resources which covers all agriculture sectors, which includes animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry and genetic resources, the Indonesian Delegation would like to express its agreement in principle. We appreciate FAO's budgetary constraints and we would like to agree that the first State might deal with animal husbandry, genetic resources and then go further into other genetic resources based on the ability of FAO's budget in the future.
Concerning the Working Group of this Commission we would like to remain in the existing system but other than going into the idea of a Panel of Experts. It consists only of a very limited number of persons and as a consequence it will also limit the number of countries represented in the Commission.
Considering all these matters, we do hope that these items will not influence the FAO programmes and the undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources with Conventions on Biological Diversity of the Rio Summit and also not influence the plan dealing with the fourth Session of the International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources which will be held in Germany in June 1996.
Finally, Mr Chairman, with regard to the Report of the 13th Session of the Committee on Agriculture the Indonesian Delegation would like to associate itself with other members of the Council in adopting the Report.
Wilberforce A. SAKIRA (Uganda): Mr Chairman, Uganda was pleased to have been able to participate in the 13th Session of the Committee on Agriculture. We therefore endorse the Report presented. However, we would like to offer a few remarks in addition to the ones we made during the Session.
As you are aware, poverty is the main cause of food insecurity and access to food is a basic human right. Therefore, our delegation continues to endorse the view that poverty alleviation, food insecurity and nutrition should rank high among FAO's priorities in the medium and long-term perspective. Uganda supports the recommendation that when developing environmentally sound technologies, traditional systems and indigenous knowledge should be taken into account. Mr Chairman, we attach much importance to this recommendation because, as you know, sometimes there are other aspects like climate, pests, soils and productivity as regards extension workers or hired experts. Furthermore, we strongly support the recommendation that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) should continue to receive high priority.
Uganda welcomes the proposal of broadening the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other categories of organisms used for food and agriculture, starting with animal genetic resources. In our view this matter should be handled by government representatives.
Mr Chairman, we support the move to ensure the safe, efficient and environmentally sound management of pesticides. Paragraph 61 of the Report proposes a review of certain parts of the International Code of Conduct of the Distribution and Use of Pesticides to be completed by the end of the century. We think this is very important as well as timely and should be handled immediately.
We have taken note of the recommendation that FAO should give particular attention to the contribution of policies to employment generation and social integration and equity, especially with regard to women. We request that FAO take necessary action to intensify its efforts in assisting Member Nations in developing and implementing polices and plans of action for women and, where appropriate, for rural youth. The donor community is requested to consider providing adequate budgetary resources for the emancipation of the women folk.
Srta. María Cristina FERRARI (Argentina): Muchas gracias, señor Presidente. En primer lugar queríamos agraceder a la Secretaría por la documentación que se nos ha facilitado y la presentación del informe sometido a nuestra consideración.
Con relación al documento CL 108/9-Sup. 1, relativo a la transferencia del examen de los asuntos de la nutrición del COAG al Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, la República Argentina no tiene inconveniente en apoyar esta transferencia. Sin embargo, deseamos hacer algunas observaciones en la propuesta de la Secretaría contenida en el punto 4 del documento inciso b y c. Con relación al inciso b, destacamos la importancia del párrafo cuando expresa que la transferencia de los temas específicos de especial importancia relacionados con la nutrición, se someterían al examen del COAG cuando estuviera justificado o, también, al COFO y la COFI. En el caso del inciso c, estimamos que la transferencia de las competencias del tema de nutrición al Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, debería comprender sólo la primera parte del párrafo de este inciso, y nos oponemos a que el Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria considere aspectos de la nutrición vinculados al comercio y las actividades pesqueras y forestales, las cuales deben tratarse en sus respectivos Comités de productos básicos, Comité de Pesca y Comité de Montes.
En cuanto a las modalidades de la implementación, apoyamos lo expresado en el párrafo 6 relativo a que se autorizara la transferencia de este tema con carácter experimental y sólo en caso de que la experiencia
resultara satisfactoria, se enmendara el Reglamento General de la Organización en su 29° período de sesiones de 1997.
Con relación a la ampliación del mandato de la Comisión de Recursos Fitogenéticos a los recursos zoogenéticos, queremos hacer algunas consideraciones. En principio, es oportuno señalar que cuando se hace referencia a recursos genéticos en sentido amplio, se está hablando de la biodiversidad. Desde un punto de vista menos amplio, los recursos genéticos son un.a de las pocas cuestiones en las que pueden manifestarse la sostenibilidad. En principio no hay razones técnicas para no tratar a los recursos genéticos en su conjunto y más bien existen ventajas, algunas de las cuales han sido debidamente analizadas en los Comités respectivos. Si bien, desde el punto de vista técnico, resulta ventajoso tratar el tema de los recursos genéticos de manera global, debe tenerse en cuenta que la propuesta de ampliación implica una nueva Comisión y que, el abordaje del tema, de manera correcta, demandaría, muy probablemente, una revisión de objetivos, mecanismos operativos y articulación logística de las representaciones. Tal vez no debiera dudarse en el tratamiento global, pero sí medir las posibilidades financieras de la Organización para afrontar estas nuevas actividades.
En este contexto, estimamos que la FAO debería concluir sus trabajos sobre recursos fitogenéticos y no estimamos conveniente ampliar el mandato de la Comisión a los recursos zoogenéticos en este momento, basado en las imposibilidades financieras que la consideración de este tema demandaría.
La Delegación Argentina, señor Presidente, podría revisar esta decisión en caso de proponer, la Secretaría, una propuesta más viable desde el punto de vista económico para la consideración de este tema. Muchísimas gracias.
Vernon DOUGLAS (Trinidad and Tobago): Thank you, Mr Chairman, for giving me the floor at this time. As usual, I shall be speaking on behalf of the 13 Member States of CARICOM.
Mr Chairman, my delegation supports adoption of the Report. We also have a brief comment, which, however, comes under the follow-up to UNCED and preparation for the Commission on Sustainable Development, 3rd session. In keeping with your ruling a short while ago, this will have to be made when Agenda Item 12 is taken.
Alan AMEY (Canada): Thank you, Mr Chairman. We would like to support the report from COAG. It's a very good report and a good, balanced report.
With regard to document CL 108/9-Sup. 2, we would like to endorse the work done by the CEPM, and we would like to recommend for approval of the Conference, as was recognized by both Australia and the United States, the three standards. It is a standard for plant quarantine, the guidelines on pest risk analysis, and, finally, the code of conduct for the important release of exotic bio-control agents.
In line with the work of the IPPC, this will obviously be growing in the future, and we will come back to this later at budget time, but there will be a question of support for IPPC in the financial implications for the budget. Ultimately, we would like to see the IPPC amended in line with the SPS agreement of the Uruguay Round. I have noticed that some countries are from what I hear so far, the vast majority of countries seem to be supporting these guidelines, although a couple of countries are not able to do so at this time.
I am hoping that some procedural way can be found without infringing on any national sovereignty issues, whether some procedural way could be found to advance the work of the CEPM and still not affect negatively the countries that have had some problems with the agreement.
With regard to moving the nutritional item to the Committee on Food Security, we support it. It sounds like a good proposal to integrate more closely the work on nutrition and food security. It is a long overdue improvement.
Finally, with regard to the prior informed consent clause, I believe there was some initiative to get an external donor to fund the negotiation process. I believe this was going to cost something in the nature of US $1 or 2 million, if memory serves me well, and I am wondering if the Secretariat can advise us if an external donor
has been found to fund the negotiation process. We will have to come back to this in the budget debate, but I think it would be very helpful to us if we knew if an external donor had come forward on this. Without further ado we recommend this report for adoption.
Salah HAMDI (Tunisie): Ma délégation apporte son appui au rapport du Comité de Γ agriculture et je tiens en particulier à souligner l'importance et l'appui qu'accorde ma délégation à certaines questions que nous estimons importantes mais bien entendu sans minimiser de quelque manière que ce soit les autres questions signalées dans la première partie du document. Je souligne en particulier les recommandations relatives au suivi de la CNUED particulièrement en matière de développement agricole durable et de protection de l'environnement et sur le rôle normatif de la FAO dans ces domaines si importants pour la garantie d'un développement agricole durable et d'une augmentation de la production agricole dans le sens d'une sécurité alimentaire durable et de l'éradication de la pauvreté et de la faim.
Mon appui s'adresse en particulier aux paragraphes 13, 42 et 49 concernant toutes les questions relatives au suivi de la CNUED. J'appuie également la paragraphe 15, qui traite de la lutte contre la pauvreté, de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition.
Le rôle de la FAO en matière d'assistance technique aux pays membres pour l'ajustement de leur politique agricole en vue de se préparer et de s'adapter aux changements découlant de l'Accord d'Uruguay est également un domaine important que les pays en développement, et plus particulièrement les pays moins avancés, à faibles revenus et à déficit vivrier, attendent donc de la FAO. Sans oublier de mentionner, bien sûr, la question des pays importateurs nets que l'on vient d'examiner dans le rapport du Comité des produits.
Les paragraphes 25 et 27 traitent aussi des questions intégrées dans le cadre du Programme EMPRES, particulièrement en ce qui concerne la lutte contre les ravageurs et la lutte contre les maladies animales, domaines que nous considérons également hautement prioritaires dans les préoccupations de la FAO pour les prochaines années; cela sans oublier, évidemment, la priorité à accorder au développement de la recherche et de la technologie au service du développement agricole, de la diversification et de la transformation des produits agricoles pour un meilleur avenir en matière d'alimentation.
Ma délégation appuie également le processus d'élargissement de la Commission des ressources phytogénétiques.
Voilà ce que j'ai à dire, au nom de ma délégation - sans exclure, évidemment, l'appui que nous accordons aux autres questions, mais pour gagner du temps -, au sujet de notre appui des recommandations contenues dans le rapport du Comité de l'agriculture, Comité auquel je renouvelle l'appui général de ma délégation.
Franco GINOCCHIO (Italy): Thank you, Mr Chairman, the Italian delegation wishes to endorse the document CL 108/9 containing the report of the last session of the Committee on Agriculture and would like to make a few comments about it.
First of all, we have noted with satisfaction that poverty alleviation, food security, and nutrition have been considered among the most important priorities of FAO. Furthermore, we share the opinion expressed by the Committee in accordance with which a sustainable increase in food production and productivity is an essential medium-term activity leading to food security, particularly in low-income food-deficit countries. In this context we recognize the relevance of the special programme for increasing food production.
Now I would like to deal with two issues debated at the last session of COAG with our active participation. Concerning the first issue, that is, the FAO Programme on the Management of Animal Genetic Resources, we are aware of the important role that FAO can play in the field of the conservation of animal genetic resources by assisting the governments in the implementation of the Convention on Bio-diversity and of Agenda 21 of UNCED.
With reference to paragraph 35, we share the recommendations of the Committee in accordance with which the Programme for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources should be implementated gradually, taking into account the serious financial implications of the Programme.
Concerning the second issue, that is, the proposal of broadening the mandate of the Commission on Plant and Genetic Resources to other genetic resources for food and agriculture, we confirm our support for this initiative. With regard to paragraph 39, recalling what we said at the last session of COAG, we agree with the recommendation to follow a step-by-step approach and to start with the animal genetic resources. This gradual approach is also suggested by the fact that the Commission of Plant Genetic Resources is presently involved in important activities concerning the negotiations for the revision of the International Undertaking on Plant and Genetic Resources and the preparation of the 4th International Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources to be held in Germany in 1996.
We would like also to confirm that we will examine the possibility to grant a contribution for this initiative, notwithstanding our current financial constraints, in case that it is approved.
Finally, we can accept on an experimental basis the suggestion to shift the debate on nutrition matters to the Committee on Food Security.
Prabhu Dayal MEENA (India): Thank you, Mr Chairman, my delegation first of all, compliments the FAO Secretariat for preparing this excellent document, CL 108/9. In this regard my delegation would like to make the following points, Mr Chairman:
First, my delegation fully endorses the views of COAG that poverty alleviation, food security, and nutrition should rank high among FAO's priorities.
Second, my delegation shares the view of COAG that FAO is the appropriate institution to globally assist countries in the management of their genetic resources.
Third, regarding broadening of the mandate of CPGR, my delegation feels that it would be desirable to formulate policies about the whole gamut of agro-biodiversity - for example, plants, livestock, and fish - in integrated manner.
Fourth, regarding implementation of International Code of Conduct on Distribution and Use of Pesticides, my delegation is happy to inform that India is one of the many countries who adopted an International Code of Conduct on Distribution and Use of Pesticides in 1985. India has also a comprehensive Act called the Insecticide Act 1968, which regulates import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of pesticides. Further, India has nominated its Designate National Authority, DNA, as required under the PIC procedures in the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, which is working under Union Ministry of Agriculture for Pesticides. Thank you, Mr Chairman.
EL PRESIDENTE: Hay algún otro Miembro del Consejo que desee hacer uso de la palabra? Si no es así, me voy a permitir ofrecerla a los observadores. El distinguido observador por la Federación Rusa nos ha pasado un texto que se incluirá en el verbatim. Tengo, además, al distinguido observador por Islandia y también al representante de la Organización Arabe para el Desarrollo Agropecuario y a la Unión de Consumidores. Tiene la palabra el distinguido observador por Islandia.
Björn SIGURBJÖRNSSON (Observer for Iceland): Mr Chairman, unfortunately my country could not take part in the deliberations of COAG and make its views known during the Committee meeting.
The report before us reflects the wide scope of issues dealt with by the Committee. We certainly welcome the increased emphasis given to the conservation and management of genetic resources, plants, animals and other organisms of value, or potential value to agriculture. The Committee rightly recognizes tha'without availability of genetic diversity for plant and animal breeders, our crop and livestock productivity would quickly decline. The Organization is here taking a long-term view because the benefits of gene banks will affect our ability to maintain sustainable food production into the next century.
Similarly, the concerns shown for the protection of the environment reveal a long-term view and realization that there may be no future for food production if we produce at the expense of our natural resources and our sensitive eco-systems.
Considering the concern for the well-being of our descendants and unborn generations expressed in these recommendations of COAG, it is both sad and surprising to read about the lack of attention, care and concern for the place of research within the Organization. The Committee report reminds me of the time some years ago when it was not considered appropriate for FAO to be concerned with research. In fact, the Secretariat was forbidden to use the word 'research' in their programmes and report texts. The same research phobia is reflected in this document. Is one to believe that the august Committee on Agriculture is not aware of the fact that without a strong research base in agriculture in developing and developed countries alike, everything else in this otherwise serious and comprehensive report and its recommendations is of absolutely no use? No amount of codes of conduct or collections of genetic material or environmental protection or concern for balanced nutrition will weigh much in our fight to produce enough food for the population within the lifetime of our children and grandchildren. We are not talking about some time in the future when the sun starts to dim. We are talking about a world fifty years from now, the length of time which has elapsed since the end of the last World War, which is still vivid in the memory of many of the Council members. It is shuddering to think that we do not know how to produce enough food for the population (perhaps ten to twelve billion) which will then occupy our houses and our lands. I think it ought to be clear to all that without technological and biological breakthrough based on an intense research effort to enable us to double yields and to double the efficiency of import use, we are doomed to fail in our tasks. Yet we read in the repon under "Matters requiring the attention of the Council" that COAG has "agreed that research development should have considerable priority". The medium and long-term priorities in paragraphs 15 to 21 make no mention of this prerequisite for advances in food production. The only four-lined paragraph, No. 29, referring to research development, reflects the frightening lack of understanding of the basic tenet for progress in agriculture and food productivity. It is to be hoped that Council members will recognize where food production priorities should lie and will instruct the Organization to act accordingly.
A.T. ABDEL HAFEEZ (Observer for the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development) (Original language Arabic): Actually, Mr Chairman, I did not ask for the floor, but as a response to your questions and since you are giving me this opportunity, I should like to point out that our Organization attaches great importance to biodiversity. We are collaborating with the Regional Bureau of FAO in Cairo. We have indeed convened a number of meetings in which FAO has participated, and our General Secretariat thinks that such an initiative is very important.
As far as training is concerned, I believe that we should attach priority to training aspects. As far as the exchange of experience is concerned, I believe that this is very important because some countries do have a wealth of experience and they should therefore share their knowledge with other less favoured countries.
EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias, señor observador por la Organización Arabe para el Desarrollo Agropecuario. Tengo aquí una nota suya pidiéndonos la palabra, por eso se la he ofrecido. Tiene la palabra el observador por la Unión de Consumidores.
Ms Barbara DENHAM (Observer for the Consumers Union): We would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to put the views of Consumer International and of the Pesticide Action Network, which group I am also representing at this meeting.
The International Code of Conduct on the distribution of use of pesticides has now been in place for ten years and has achieved significant success in raising awareness of pesticide problems and setting standards for safer use. The Code has achieved widespread recognition and is unique in the consensual support accorded to it by all parties. However, we were concerned to see in the survey conducted by FAO for the Tenth Anniversary of the Code that progress has been made on introducing pesticide legislation and regulations but that the health hazards remain a major problem and that the effect of pesticides on the environment was substantially worse than it was in 1986, though that may reflect some increased awareness of the importance of the subject.
We would like to draw attention to the fact that the pesticide market is increasing more rapidly in developing countries than in industrialized countries, with industry estimates suggesting that 35 percent of sales will be to developing countries by the year 2000. Already pesticides which are hazardous to health are more widely used in developing countries. A significant pesticide production, particularly of some of the older and more hazardous pesticides, is now based in newly industrializing countries and in developing countries. We therefore very much welcome the two related initiatives of strengthening the Code and introducing a legally binding instrument for the PIG procedure.
We have made suggestions on strengthening the Code and these were submitted to the COAG meeting. Given the long time-scale and the busy agenda, we see no reason to bring these before the Council at this stage, but we ask that NGOs are given the opportunity to contribute their views to the process of developing a stronger Code of Conduct.
We would like to emphasize in particular at this stage the need to strengthen the IPM element in the Code to consciously link this with sustainable agricultural and rural development and to give due recognition to the participatory nature of integrated pest management. We are also concerned that the implementation of the PIC procedure may be hampered while discussions surrounding a Convention are underway and would urge that sufficient resources are made available for both these procedures to continue.
The continuing health and environmental pesticide problems lend urgency to the need for strong support for integrated pest management and sustainable agricultural and rural development to inform all future agricultural and rural developments.
EL PRESIDENTE: Con esto concluye la lista de oradores. Pregunto al Consejo si hay alguna otra intervención que deseen hacer. Bien, en este caso me voy a permitir pedir al señor Sawadogo que ofrezca las aclaraciones y respuestas correspondientes a sus preguntas.
A. SAWADOGO (Sous-Directeur général, Département de l'agriculture): Monsieur le Président, je voudrais par votre intermédiaire remercier les membres du Conseil pour leurs interventions extrêmement riches, très nombreuses et très détaillées. Mes collègues qui sont auprès de moi ont pris des notes sur bon nombre de ces questions et il me paraît assez difficile de répondre à toutes les interrogations. Je voudrais néanmoins en prendre deux ou trois de manière rapide.
Je voudrais commencer par dire que la réalité de l'importance accordée par la FAO à la recherche n'est peut être pas bien reflétée dans ce document, mais il me semble que les faits sont plus importants que le document lui-même. Notre ami de l'Islande sait aussi bien que moi qu'à l'intérieur de l'Organisation la recherche a une place prépondérante. Il en va de même pour l'amélioration des ressources humaines, l'importance des ressources humaines, qui ont été mises en relief par la Malaisie et le Swaziland en particulier.
Je voudrais dire également un mot de la question du Canada. J'espère que ce pays est à la recherche d'encouragement pour être le second contributeur pour le financement de la négociation sur le consentement préalable. D'après les informations qui me sont communiquées par mes collaborateurs, les besoins pour conduire avec l'UNEP la totalité de ces négociations s'élèvent à près de 2 millions et demi de dollars qui financeraient trois réunions de négociations. Un des facteurs de coût est évidemment les coûts exposés pour la présence de représentants de pays en développement. Ce sont des coûts importants pour que la négociation ait tout son sens. Les Pays-Bas ont offert à la réunion du PNUE à Nairobi d'abriter la dernière séance de négociations. Nous espérons qu'ils interviendront aussi pour d'autres séances et non pas seulement pour la dernière. Mais d'après les estimations il faudra trouver une somme d'un million ou d'un million et demi de dollars pour lesquels le PNUE et la FAO espèrent que d'autres contributions vont se faire jour.
Dans les questions pour lesquelles nous avons sollicité les directives du Conseil, je crois que c'est à propos du transfert des discussions sur la sécurité alimentaire que nous avons eu les réponses les plus nettes, en particulier de faire ce transfert à titre provisoire, donc avec possibilité de confirmation plus tard lorsque l'expérience se sera montrée positive.
Pour ce qui est de la nature des groupes de travail, que ce soit pour les ressources génétiques animales ou pour tout autre groupe de travail, on retrouve les mêmes arguments en faveur de groupes gouvernementaux ou de groupes constitués de techniciens. Nous allons revoir ces questions en détail et je pense que déjà une première réponse sera donnée lors de la réunion du Comité de rédaction.
Le Japon a également soulevé des questions importantes sur lesquelles des informations complémentaires doivent être fournies à la délégation japonaise qui n'a pas encore officiellement reçu le texte. Nous nous permettrons de le faire dans le courant de la semaine de manière relativement approfondie.
Je voudrais m'arrêter là pour ce qui est de mes commentaires et remercier toutes les personnes qui sont intervenues et celles qui ne sont pas intervenues. Dans ma culture on dit: "qui ne dit rien, veut bien". Je pense que c'est parce que ces personnes approuvent ce rapport qu'elles nous laissent le soin de le dire.
Je voudrais remercier tout le monde pour les directives qui nous ont été données, pour les avis et les commentaires qui ont été faits sur ce rapport.
EL PRESIDENTE: Bien, distinguidos delegados, como les había advertido este tema es obviamente muy complejo. No llegó el COAG a consenso en todos los aspectos de su informe. Aquí el Consejo se expresó en torno al debate sostenido en el COAG. Al hacerlo, el Consejo endosó el informe del 13° período de sesiones del COAG; elogió la labor realizada por la Secretaría en la preparación de los documentos y el debate sostenido se consideró útil y de profundidad, así como las conclusiones alcanzadas. Se advirtió que las múltiples recomendaciones de dicho Comité tenían importantes implicaciones de carácter programático y también presupuestario. Estas últimas se revisarán a la luz del resumen del Programa de Labores y Presupuesto y, desde luego, de los recursos financieros disponibles para su financiación, o los ajustes consecuentes que su adopción conlleve.
Varias delegaciones indicaron, respecto de los temas tratados en el informe, que había la necesidad aún de incluir o ampliar otros, tales como la situación de la agricultura y también los temas relativos al impacto de la Ronda Uruguay, sobre países en desarrollo importadores netos de alimentos.
Se llamó la atención del Consejo, también, sobre la importancia de la investigación agrícola y la utilización de tecnología apropiada. Se destacó que en última instancia el propósito de estos programas era el logro de una mayor producción y productividad agrícola, que estaba encaminada e inscrita en el contexto del logro de una seguridad alimentaria a nivel mundial, regional y nacional.
En lo que se refiere al tema de los recursos fitogenéticos, se recordó el debate en cuanto a que la Comisión que trata este tema tiene en su agenda ya temas tan importantes, como el compromiso internacional sobre recursos fitogenéticos y la Cuarta Conferencia Mundial sobre el estado y el plan de acción de recursos fitogenéticos, y que encargada como estaba la comisión a adicionarle temas, llevaría quizá a reducir el tiempo disponible para sus debates o no lograr la profundidad deseada.
Si bien se apreció la labor del actual grupo de trabajo gubernamental sobre recursos fitogenéticos, varias delegaciones apoyaron la propuesta de que éste quedara constituido por expertos técnicos. Otros hablaron de la conveniencia de establecer grupos de trabajo intergubernamentales con un tratamiento temático que permitiera ampliar los diversos aspectos que trataría la Comisión.
Se advirtió, en estos dos sentidos, que unas y otras propuestas tienen implicaciones de carácter presupuestario sobre los costos involucrados.
Varios delegados no aceptaron la propuesta de la Secretaría presentada en el COAG de crear pequeños grupos de trabajo técnicos que resultarían, quizá, mucho más baratos. El Consejo no llegó a un consenso en ese sentido; sin embargo el Consejo recomendó a la Conferencia que, en principio, debería ampliarse la Comisión sobre Recursos Fitogenéticos para incluir los organismos utilizados para la agricultura y la alimentación, pero que este proceso no debería poner en peligro el tratamiento y la armonización del compromiso internacional de recursos fitogenéticos con la Convención sobre la Diversidad Biológica; que la ampliación de la Comisión debería considerar sus implicaciones financieras y que, sin perjuicio de la estructura de los grupos de trabajo
subordinados a la Comisión, al tratar las distintas categorías y organismos incluidos en el mandato ampliado de la Comisión, estos grupos podrían constituirse de diversa manera.
Varios delegados insistieron en estos temas y, sobre todo, en que el proceso de ampliación de la Comisión recibiera un tratamiento o un enfoque de carácter gradual.
En lo que se refiere al examen de las normas para la armonización de la cuarentena de las plantas, el Consejo tomó nota de que el COAG aprobó dos normas - me refiero a las directrices para el análisis del riesgo de plagas y el código de conducta para la importación y liberación de agentes exóticos de lucha biológica - a reserva del examen y aprobación por el Comité de Expertos sobre medidas fitosanitarias.
El Consejo tomó nota de los textos revisados acordados por el Comité de Expertos sobre Medidas Fitosanitarias, aunque varios delegados advirtieron que estaba pendiente el análisis integral de riesgo de plagas y, asimismo, destacaron que no estaba madura una decisión sobre el código de conducta para la importación y liberación de agentes exóticos de lucha biológica. La participación de expertos fitosanitarios era innecesaria, estaba pendiente, y debía encontrarse por tanto un procedimiento para progresar hacia el logro de un acuerdo.
Se tomó nota también de que el Comité de Expertos sobre Medidas Fitosanitarias había elaborado un texto revisado sobre requisitos para el establecimiento de zonas libres de plagas, que se distribuiría en breve a los miembros de la FAO para que lo examinarán.
Queda pendiente, desde luego, un examen satisfactorio de este punto para su adopción y decisión al respecto.
Se tomó nota, asimismo, de que la Conferencia en su 28° período de sesiones debería decidir si en circunstancias excepcionales podría suspenderse el procedimiento normal para la adopción de normas sobre cuarentena de las plantas.
El Consejo recomendó que se suprimiera la Fase 9, aceptación oficial de los gobiernos del procedimiento para la elaboración y aprobación de normas. Acogió también las medidas que se habían adoptado para determinar las consecuencias financieras, y de otro tipo, de la Enmienda de la Convención Internacional de Protección Fitosanitaria, en consonancia con los acuerdos sanitarios y fitosanitarios de la Ronda Uruguay y las últimas novedades en la creación de un mecanismo para el establecimiento de normas en el ámbito de la CIPF.
Se expresó que se requería claridad sobre estos temas y la coveniencia de contar con un informe acerca de esta cuestión para su examen en el próximo período de sesiones del Consejo.
Sobre el procedimiento ICP, se informó al Consejo sobre la decisión del Consejo de Administración del PNUMA, que se reunió en este año, respecto de la elaboración de un instrumento jurídico vinculante para el procedimiento ICP. Por tanto, creo que se puede concluir que se acogió favorablemente la estrecha colaboración de la FAO con ese organismo, respecto de este proceso, con vistas a la convocatoria de un Comité intergubernamental de negociación que se encargará de preparar un instrumento internacionalmente vinculante para la aplicación del procedimiento ICP con respecto a algunos productos químicos peligrosos para el comercio internacional lo antes posible.
Acojo yo también, favorablemente, la convocatoria a un grupo de expertos designados por los gobiernos para examinar y recomendar qué otras medidas se necesitan para reducir los riesgos derivados de un número limitado de productos químicos peligrosos, tanto en el ámbito del procedimiento actual del ICP, como fuera de él.
Se instó a que la FAO facilitara la asistencia técnica a los países que no podían aplicar las disposiciones del Código internacional de conducta. Finalmente algunas delegaciones ofrecieron su asistencia para financiar la sesión negociadora de la Conferencia sobre el ICP que en principio tendría lugar en septiembre o noviembre de 1995.
Sobre la Conferencia Internacional de Nutrición, se instó a todos los países a ejecutar plenamente las disposiciones de la Declaración de Roma sobre nutrición y se pidió a la FAO que facilitara también asistencia técnica a los Estados Miembros que lo necesitaran o solicitaran, y se instó, también, a la FAO a que tomara las medidas necesarias para celebrar reuniones de países desarrollados sobre el tema de la nutrición, tal como lo había recomendado el COAG.
En lo que se refieren, finalmente, al tema de las transferencias de las cuestiones de nutrición del COAG al Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, se recomendó a la Conferencia que transfiriera el actual tema sobre la nutrición del Programa 14 del 14° período de Sesiones del COAG, al correspondiente período de reuniones del Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria en 1997. Se recordó al respecto, no obstante, que la nutrición está íntimamente vinculada tanto a la producción de alimentos como a los otros aspectos del desarrollo agrícola, pesquero, forestal, rural y general y, por ello, varias delegaciones instaron a que tanto en los períodos de decisiones del COAG como del Comité de Seguridad Alimentaria, se examine plenamente la vinculación de la nutrición y las actividades agrícolas según proceda. El tratamiento de los temas relativos al comercio, sin embargo, algunas delegaciones solicitaron que se mantuvieran en los respectivos Comités de agricultura, en pesca y forestal.
Finalmente, se reiteró también la propuesta de que la FAO establezca un programa y el órgano correspondiente para el tratamiento de los temas de la ganadería.
Bien, distinguidos delegados sé que el debate fue mucho más rico; obviamente, el resumen de la Presidencia tiene involucrado la propia interpretación del Presidente de sus debates; no es una camisa de once varas que se le imponga al Comité de Redacción, ustedes están libres de expresar sus puntos de vista como lo deseen. Esta es simplemente la forma en que he recogido el debate.
Veo que hay una delegación que desea hacer comentarios respecto de mi resumen, y se la ofrezco al distinguido delegado de Brasil.
Marco Antonio DINIZ BRANDÄO (Brazil): Mr Chairman, a small point of clarification. As far as you can recall, all the delegations that expressed points of view on the broadening of the mandate of the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources supported the inter-governmental shape of the technical advisory groups that could be created. Only my delegation opposed that and we would like that to be reported. Thank you.
EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias distinguido delegado de Brasil. Por eso es que yo indiqué al principio que no había habido consenso en este Consejo respecto de estas cuestiones y, efectivamente, fue la distinguida delegación de Estados Unidos la que subrayó su interés de que quedara constituido, en vez de un Grupo intergubernamental, un grupo de expertos técnicos. Yo no sé si requiere alguna otra aclaración.
Bien, distinguidos delegados, con esto concluyo el tratamiento del Tema 6..
Victor ZVEZDIN (Observer for Russian Federation): First of all, we should like to express our gratitude
to you, Mr Chairman, Director-General, Council, other FAO bodies, for giving my country the possibility to participate in the work of the Organization in the capacity of Observer.
Our delegation took part in the Sessions of the Committees on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the work of which we consider now. They had the possibility to state their concrete and specific views on corresponding subjects.
Now, we want to express the understanding that our cooperation with the Organization, we hope, is mutually beneficial, especially in such fields as statistics, plant genetic resources and others. It is well known that Russia has one of the best and large collections of plant genetic resources.
We highly appreciate the work of the Regional Office for Europe, whose activities are useful for countries of Central and Eastern Europe with economy in transition.
We consider that the European System of Cooperative Research Networks in Agricultural is successful. It is functioning on a voluntary basis and unites research institutes and laboratories of more than 86 countries.
My country will intensify the participation of experts in its activities and in many other fields.
Moreover, we feel that the time will come soon when Russia will be a full Member of FAO.
Thank you, Sir.1
W. KRONE (Assistant Director-General, a.i, Fisheries Department): The Twenty-first Session of COFI showed a record attendance, with 101 members and 15 other states participating, together with representatives from three UN Agencies and Observers from 23 international organizations. The Session was attended by about 450 people.
The Session met at a most critical time, with worldwide recognition of the fact that most of the world fish stocks were being harvested near or beyond any sustainable level. The Session reaffirmed that FAO had a clear mandate for fisheries and was a leading Specialized Agency within the UN System. It further agreed that an improvement in fisheries conservation and management was essential for long-term sustainable fisheries development. This view was also confirmed at the subsequent ministerial meeting, which adopted, as you all know, the Rome Consensus on Fisheries. The Session noted that international cooperation was essential for effective fisheries management and hence under-scored that regional fisheries bodies should be strengthened as a means of achieving such cooperation. In this context, I might just mention that the week before last the Twenty-first Session of the General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean took place in Alicante in Spain and at that Session a real landmark was reached in the transition of this body from being a mere advisory body to being a regional fisheries management organization. Several key issues, for instance, on blue fin tuna management, on the compliance agreement, on effort control and on the environment, were clarified, and four binding resolutions were passed, attempting to rectify four fisheries management practices and thus to improve the state of the fisheries of the Mediterranean.
It should be pointed out here that such additional responsibilities on the part of our regional fisheries bodies will call for additional resources and the strengthening of the functions of those bodies. Only then will they be able to meet the challenges and increasing demands of their members.
Mr Chairman, COFI also considered the need to assist developing countries, especially the specific social and economic needs and circumstances of small island developing States. The programme of assistance for fisheries conservation management and development in these island States proposed by FAO was strongly endorsed by COFI. The Committee selected priority areas of the programme and requested that the Organization elaborate a programme for the international donor community.
Finally, Mr Chairman, in accordance with the recommendation of your last Session, COFI considered the broadening of the scope of the FAO Commission on Plant Genetic Resources to include other categories of organisms used for food and agriculture. The Committee welcomed this proposal in principle but recommended a step-by-step approach to incorporating aquatic resources into the new Commission.
EL PRESIDENTE: Muchas gracias doctor Krone por sus comentarios introductorios. Voy a abrir la lista de oradores de manera preliminar; no la voy a cerrar y, les pregunto a ustedes, distinguidos delegados, si desean hacer uso de la palabra respecto de este tema. Les advierto, desde luego, que lo que tiene que hacer nuestro Consejo es aprobar el Informe del COFI a reserva de ulteriores comentarios, claro, que ustedes deseen hacer. ¿Hay alguna delegación que va a hacer uso de la palabra o, podemos, quizás, adoptar el Informe de inmediato?
Así lo decide el Consejo y con ello terminamos el Tema 7 de nuestra agenda. Le felicito a usted doctor Krone.
The meeting rose at 12.40 hours.
La séance est levée à 12 h 40.
Se levanta la sesión a las 12.40 horas.
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1 Statement inserted in the verbatim records on request.
