The Africa-Arkansas Trade and Business Conference held in March brought more foreign ambassadors and dignitaries to our state than at any time since the dedication of the Clinton Presidential Library.
Arkansas Farm Bureau, along with other Arkansas agri-businesses, sponsored the conference in order to connect Arkansas producers with emerging grain and poultry markets in Africa. Diplomats from 10 African nations participated in the two days of discussion and agricultural tours, culminating with a reception at the Governor’s Mansion with Gov. Mike Beebe.
Dr. Koby Koomson, former United States ambassador to Ghana, organized the event, which provided a unique opportunity to explore agricultural trade with the African nations.
The African continent consists of 53 separate nations and hosts a population of more than 900 million people. Even though 9 out of 10 there are engaged in agrarian activities, Africa imports more than 80 percent of its food needs. Most of Africa’s imported grains, primarily rice and corn, come from Southeast Asia. Its imports of poultry products come primarily from European countries. Though the U.S. is closer than some of its current suppliers, our nation exports very few agricultural products to Africa.
The improving economies of African nations, as well as the desire of those governments to expand trading relationships with U.S. interests, are a signal that the African continent could be U.S. agriculture’s next expansive market. As such, it is imperative that we position Arkansas agriculture to be ready to support the continent’s expanding food needs. There was a sincere willingness by all the conference participants to take a positive message about our state back to their respective governments.
During the course of our roundtable discussions, some of the African nations expressed strong objections to producing or consuming any food products grown through the benefits of biotechnology.
It was apparent after some spirited debate that more education and information about biotechnology and the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are needed so that our African friends can fully understand the life-changing benefits this new technology can bring to their people.
Because of the efficiency and effectiveness of biotechnology products, farmers can grow more food, apply fewer chemicals and pesticides, and use less water in the production of food and fiber. Yet, still, many people around the world fear what they do not understand.
It was mentioned that one African nation had refused free shipments of corn — intended to avert massive starvation — because of the corn’s GMO content. In our discussion, the strongest opposition to biotechnology was from the Ugandan ambassador, Perezi Kamunanwire, who noted that his country was one of the few African nations that is self sufficient in food production. He proudly proclaimed that this was accomplished without the use of biotechnology.
Ambassador Kamunanwire is obviously well educated — he speaks five different languages — yet he would not concede that millions of starving and malnourished African people might be helped if GMO technology was more widely accepted across the continent. Despite my best efforts, he left Arkansas still unsure of the safety and benefits of biotechnology.
Let’s hope that through our discussions — and the offer to present deeper scientific review — that these African ambassadors can help begin to change the perception of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms from one of fear to one of understanding.
Many thanks to Ambassador Koomson for organizing this trade conference, and for the foundation established for development of a trade relationship that I believe can be significant for a number of African countries and for Arkansas agriculture.
That’s my view from the farm. |