GAA – Breakout Group Notes

What concrete engagement will you bring to the Agenda? Will accept FAO’s invite to participate as equals – future impact also World Farmers Organization – communications facilitation, GAA to other international bodies, part of already planned meetings Expertise identified (and provided). Information and data – industry, local, national levels

Why is it important? Industry (producer to retail) makes the change. – Need to ensure mechanics and economics work Prefer to lead rather than be pushed. Need to deal with misconceptions/lack of understanding of agriculture by the public as public perception drives policy. Demographic and nutritional imperatives.

What strategies and mechanisms (including targets) are you proposing to use to facilitate the continuous improvement of livestock sector practices? Alignment of new research with international sustainability measures. Sharing and application of existing research. Extension and education. Sharing of success stories AND failed undertakings. Capacity building is needed.

How can the Agenda process further support this? Consolidation of research and results of different cases. Ensure entire value chain, from producer to food seller, is involved. Allow and facilitate peer learning opportunities (beyond traditional limits). Promote communication between countries with similar challenges. Allow capacity building in developing areas through trade measures.

What support can you provide to the additional approaches the Agenda proposes to pursue, Assistance to create Roundtables around the world (GTPS, GRSB etc.). Overlapping participation in GAA and the other sustainability bodies (CRSB, GRSB etc.). Work to improve/establish regulatory support as needed and voluntary systems where possible.

What concrete commitments in means (projects; resources; etc.) are you able to make? Build knowledge of GAA with employees and customers. Pilot projects through the value chain to illustrate effects. Implementation of sustainability measures with economic benefit.

What specific outcomes/returns are you looking for? Clarity from FAO and others on THEE metrics of sustainability. Tools to communicate about the sustainability of our industries. Promotion of incentives for making changes that increase sustainability. Guidance for early developing industries with many smallholders. Must work for all business models. Understanding from FAO, how does the GAA fit with their other agendas. Avoidance of numerous private standards. That this does not become a trade stifling or competitive measure between firms.