Written question asked by Robert Walter (Conservative) on Friday, 11 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2008. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2008 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Developing Countries: Agriculture

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government plan to take to implement the findings of the International Assessment of Agriculture Technology for Development.

Answer: 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. We are assessing these in taking forward the Government's support to developing countries on agricultural knowledge science and technology (AKST).The Department for International Development is already taking action in line with IAASTD's findings. In April I announced that DFID will increase its investment in agricultural research to £400 million over five years. This investment will include research on environmentally sustainable solutions, focus on the needs of farmers, address gender issues, look to build public-private partnerships, look at the impact of markets on poor farmers, and support traditional and modern technologies.

Secondary information