Beyond the Green Horizon: Charting a Sustainable Future for Smallholder Farmers
The wellbeing and welfare of the smallholders should be considered paramount in the global discussion on the planetary future beyond the green horizon. This was the consensus in the thematic discussion that Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) jointly organized on July 03, 2024, in Amsterdam.
This high-level forum on the theme- “Beyond the Green Horizon: Charting a Sustainable Future for Smallholder Farmers”- brought together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable agricultural practices and policies impacting Guatemalan smallholder farmers, with a particular focus on the role of scientific innovation and economic viability.
The event was inaugurated by the Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, Mrs. Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda. In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Rodríguez Pineda highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and emphasized Guatemala's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Ambassador Sheikh Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities, discussed the critical balance between environmental objectives and the economic realities of smallholder farmers. He emphasized the importance of science-driven approaches to ensure that environmental goals do not compromise the livelihoods of farmers.
The agenda featured insightful presentations and discussions led by renowned experts in the field. Mr. Erick van Lith, Public Affairs Manager at the Fresh Produce Centre, provided an overview of the EU's Green Deal and the new regulatory framework for agricultural goods. He outlined the implications of these policies for smallholder farmers and the fresh produce industry, stressing the need for alignment with environmental goals.
Mrs. Carla Caballeros, Executive Director of the Chamber of Agriculture of Guatemala, showcased Guatemala's successful sustainable agriculture strategy. Her presentation highlighted the significant impact of smallholder farmers on the country's agricultural landscape and the positive outcomes of sustainable practices.
Mrs. Ría Hulsmann, Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at Wageningen University, discussed the latest advancements in agricultural technology (AgTech) and their potential to boost productivity among smallholder farmers. She underscored the critical role of research and development in creating sustainable and scalable solutions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Peter Andreas Nielsen, Impact Investment Manager at CFC. Mr. Nielsen reaffirmed CFC's commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through impactful investments and collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
The discussions highlighted the necessity of international cooperation, regulatory alignment, and investment in research and development to ensure that environmental sustainability and economic viability go hand in hand.
The CFC remains steadfast in its mission to empower smallholder farmers, recognizing their indispensable contribution to global food security and sustainable development. Through continued dialogue, partnership, and innovation, we can collectively chart a greener and more prosperous horizon for smallholder farmers worldwide.