Panel of Eminent Experts on Ethics in Food and Agriculture (INACTIVE) (NRD-801)

Fourth Session (Rome, 26-28 November 2007)
Third Session (Rome, 14-16 September 2005)
Second Session (Rome, 18-20 March 2002)
First Session (Rome, 26-28 September 2000)

• The Panel of Eminent Experts shall reflect and promote reflection upon ethical issues arising out of food production and consumption as well as agriculture development, including forestry and fisheries, in the context of food security and sustainable rural development against an environment of rapid global change.
• The Panel shall in particular consider ethical issues relating to the interests of present and future generations regarding the sustainable use of natural resources, the safeguarding of biodiversity and the balanced mix of traditional and modern technologies to increase food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Based on the above considerations the Panel shall:
   1. promote an overall sense of international responsibility with regard to the development of necessary policies and instruments aimed at maximizing global benefits, while minimizing risks arising from the application of modern technologies to food and agriculture;
   2. seek to increase the awareness of States, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society and public opinion worldwide, with regard to ethical issues in food and agriculture in order to promote international understanding and appropriate action on such issues, bearing in mind that different communities have different cultural values;
   3. advise on possible international, regional or national action or the preparation of instruments, as appropriate, to best respond to ethical issues arising out of food and agriculture, with due regard to interdependence among generations, among countries and between food security and other community needs;
   4. encourage exchange of information on all issues of an ethical nature arising out of food and agriculture.
• The Panel may consider any other issue related to the above.
• In its consideration of the above, the Panel shall advise the Director-General on the possible role and policies of FAO.