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Developing Countries: Agriculture

Volume 491: debated on Monday 27 April 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his Department plans to implement the findings of the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development. (269210)

The International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) presents findings and a range of options for different stakeholders (governments, private sector, academics and civil society) to consider. These findings are neither prescriptive nor legally binding on any party. The Department for International Development (DFID) has looked at these findings to help determine its support to developing countries on agricultural knowledge, science and technology.

DFID has already taken action in line with IAASTD's findings. Last April the Secretary of State announced a doubling of DFID's investment in agricultural research to a total of £400 million over five years. This investment will include research on environmentally sustainable solutions, focus on the needs of farmers, address gender issues, look at the impact of markets on poor farmers, and support traditional and modern technologies.