Developing+strategies+to+address+the+effects+of+the+increasing+cost+of+food,+particularly+in+the+Least+Developed+and+Developing+Countries

__**Policy Statements**__

Delegation: Sudan Committee: 3rd General Assembly (Social, Humanitarian, Cultural) Issue 2: Developing strategies to address the effects of the increasing cost of food, particularly in the Least Developed and Developing Countries

One of the major issues in the developing world is the need to feed the growing amount of people. With populations growing, the number of mouths that need to be fed are increasing the demand of food. World food prices have increased approximately 85% between April 2007 to April 2008, and most of this has been through staple foods such as wheat (almost doubled), maize (up 67% between July 2007 and June 2008) and rice (up 160% from January to April 2008). The effects of this growth have been amplified by recent droughts, slow supply response, high-energy prices and an increased demand for biofuels. Furthermore, low and declining agricultural productivity in many developing countries is the more long-term cause, contributed by physical, institutional, financial and policy-related factors. After the Green Revolution, the amount of arable land left has decreased tremendously, leaving our only viable option to cultivate the land we already use more efficiently. Already, 53% of the labor force in developing countries works in the agricultural sector of the economy. Sudan sees that the agricultural export subsidies and domestic support policies in developed countries should be reduced, which have hurt developing countries agricultural sectors. Especially since the majority of LDCs and developing countries rely heavily on the export of one agricultural product as the main source of income. Moreover, Sudan believes more focus should be placed on promoting agriculture production in national trade policies, as well as eliminate tariffs on agricultural inputs. Sudan also identifies that medical assistance, especially those about dietary needs, should be made available so that the malnourished and chronically hungry people can seek professional help.

__**Operative Clauses**__

1. Requests that more economically developed countries (MEDCs) decrease domestic subsidies by two percent on exported agricultural products as it does not allow a fair competition of market prices for the goods produced in least developed countries (LDCs) and other developing nations,

2. Further requests that MEDCs eliminate tariffs on agricultural products in order to allow LDCs and Developing countries to increase the productivity of their industrial section, which will; a) increase the amount of food produced locally, b) provide more stable jobs for able citizens, and c) encourage these nations to develop their agricultural sector in order to increase the available amount of food on the world market,

3. Encourages member states to broadcast simple health tips through the media as a means to prevent the spread of diseases that can occur with weak immunity systems.