International Press Conference: “The World Faces Dire Food Shortages”

ZURICH, Switzerland - An Invitation to the Launch of “Food First”

An Urgent Call to Action by “The Humboldt Forum for Food and Agriculture”

International Press Conference (incl. telephone conference, audio webcast) 16 April 2009, 3 PM CET Hotel Maritim proArte Friedrichstrasse 151 Berlin, Germany

In response to the growing threat of global malnutrition and food insecurity, the recently established Humboldt Forum for Food and Agriculture (HFFA) - a unique group of internationally recognised experts from science, civil society and industry - has urged the immediate adoption of a five-point plan of action, entitled “Food First”.

The Forum believes that without immediate action, the world faces an increasingly uncertain future with food shortages likely to worsen and expand to the developed world, leading to increased inflation, political and economic instability as well as social unrest.

“Food First” will be launched at an international press conference in Berlin at the Hotel Maritim. Speakers will include

- Prof. Harald von Witzke, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Humboldt University Berlin, President and Speaker of the Steering Committee of HFFA - Prof. Phil Pardey, Departement of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, Member of HFFA

Prof. von Witzke will present his new and yet unpublished research on the future development of global food prices. Prof. Pardey will reveal the so far publicly unnoticed and rapidly growing gap between agricultural research and the urgent need for poductivity improvements in agriculture.

One day before G8 agricultural ministers will meet in Treviso, Italy, we invite you to attend and report on this important initiative.

If you are unable to attend in person, dial in details are as follows: - Telephone conference: +49-69-247-501-899 - Audio webcast: 79.99.138.12/index.html?recording_id=6688 (PIN: 20090403) (please download the indicated player)

Invitation to The Launch of “Food First”

We very much welcome your participation. Please confirm your attendance by e-mail (brauchbar@advocacy.ch) or fax (+41-44-420-18-61) until 9 April 2009.

Contact: Mathis Brauchbar Tel.: +41-43-499-06-90 E-Mail: brauchbar@advocacy.ch

Source: Humboldt Forum for Food and Agriculture

Contact: Mathis Brauchbar, Tel.: +41-43-499-06-90, E-Mail: brauchbar at advocacy.ch