I would like to comment on the first topic: What are the main issues for policy-makers to consider when linking climate change on the one hand and food security and nutrition on the other, in particular when designing, formulating and implementing policies and programmes?
During the past few years the global community has been awakening to the serious but long neglected issues of postharvest food losses and waste, and many organizations are now involved in research, education, planning and outreach activities in the field. Food losses and waste negatively impact both nutrition/food security and the environment, since throwing away one third to one half of the food we produce before it can be eaten is a huge strain on the productive resources of all countries. Climate change and current worries about the stability of productive resources will only make these issues worse, so now is the time for policy makers to focus on how best to support agricultural development programs that will reduce food losses, protect natural capital and improve food security.
Dr. Lisa Kitinoja
The Postharvest Education Foundation
PO Box 38, La Pine, Oregon 97739 USA
Website homepage: www.postharvest.org
Mobile phone: (916) 708-7218
Lisa Kitinoja