Farming First Coalition Launches Data Visualization Tool "The Story of Agriculture and the Green Economy" Ahead of G8 Summit

The Farming First coalition has launched a six-part online infographic called "The Story of Agriculture and the Green Economy", which uses data from leading research organisations to tell the story of agriculture's potential contribution to building a global green economy.

There is growing consensus that a green economy is central to continued global prosperity, in other words, pursuing growth while helping to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty and safeguard the environment.

In 2009, G8 leaders made bold pledges to increase food security aid to $22bn by 2012. In 2011. At this year's meeting, the G8 should promote policy coherence on food security and price volatility issues in order to support the poorest without disrupting the market or discouraging farmers from receiving adequate prices. Funding should be coordinated, transparent and farmer-centred.

Each section of the infographic contains statistics and explanations around topics relevant to the green economy, demonstrating, for instance, the central role of farmers as stewards of our natural resources, actors involved in building a more sustainable supply chain, how investment in women farmers may bring greater rewards and existing solutions to making the sector more sustainable while increasing yields, such as conservation agriculture and drip irrigation.

All of the images have been designed so that they can be Tweeted and embedded on external websites and blogs so that others can share the data and participate in the discussions on the green economy.

The infographic can be accessed on the Farming First website here:http://www.farmingfirst.org/green-economy

ABOUT FARMING FIRST

Farming First is a global coalition representing the world's scientists, engineers and industry as well as more than 100 farmers' associations and agricultural development organisations. Farming First calls for a broad- based, knowledge-centred approach to increase agricultural output in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

Follow us on Twitter: @FarmingFirst

ENDORSEMENTS

"Economic development in Africa is inextricably linked to agriculture. As African leaders prepare to meet their G8 counterparts next week, I urge them to recognise the true contribution which Africa's farmers can provide to the continent's future growth."
- Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Chief Executive, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)

"African farmers can be small-scale entrepreneurs in the future green economy if we give them the information, tools, and market access they need to thrive. Farming First's "Agriculture and the Green Economy" infographic makes this reality come alive by addressing the key questions which global leaders are asking."
- Lucy Muchoki, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Agribusiness Consortium (PanAAC)

"Building a green economy will rely on encouraging innovation. In agriculture, this implies both incentivizing greater use of available sustainable tools by farmers, as well as investing in research and education to continually improve how food production occurs."
- Dr. Simon Winter, Senior Vice President, Development, TechnoServe

"The Farming First infographic puts data into visually appealing narratives which facilitates the analysis of complex issues and can be understood by broader audiences. As well as being useful to inform policy decisions on agriculture and food security, the infographic also can be used as an educational tool."
– Morgane Danielou, International Fertilizer Industry Association

"At their 2011 summit, G8 leaders should foster policy coherence on food security and price volatility. Member countries are encouraged to take actions that make agriculture a driver for poverty reduction by ensuring policies link producers to markets and enable value to be created throughout the supply chain to help create income opportunities and diversify rural activities."
- Howard Minigh, CEO and President of CropLife International

"As G8 leaders consider how best to take agricultural policy reform forward, a focus on all aspects of sustainability is crucial, as is an open and equitable trading system for food and agriculture. Farming First's infographic "Agriculture and the Green Economy" uses a wide array of data to illustrate this effectively."
– Charlotte Hebebrand, Chief Executive, International Food and Agriculture Trade Policy Council (IPC)

"Farming First's 'The Story of Agriculture and the Green Economy' is an excellent visual representation of agriculture's important role in global food security, poverty reduction and economic sustainability."
- Dr. Amit Roy, President and CEO, IFDC