Moving Closer to a Coordinated Global Strategy to Reduce Hunger

Congratulations are in order for Ann Tutwiler, who will now head a USDA team supporting the U.S. Global Food Security Initiative. Tutwiler has been a leader in pushing the food security initiative forward. As the USDA representative, she will collaborate with colleagues from other agencies, including USAID, the Treasury Department, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Here is the official USDA announcement:

Ann will be advised by a Food Security Council comprised of experts from across USDA to ensure that the entire department contributes to the initiative and works closely with other USG partners at the State Department, USAID, and Treasury, among others. The Global Food Security Initiative was launched in 2009 by President Obama as a multi-agency and international effort to reduce hunger and malnutrition in some of the world's poorest countries. Ann will ensure that the department's expertise in creating functioning markets and improving productivity throughout the value chain is brought to bear on one of the greatest challenges of our time. The U.S. and other donors will work with the world's poorest countries to reduce hunger by building strong agricultural sectors. Over the long term, the department's engagement will contribute to the economic growth and market orientation of these countries, which will benefit U.S. farmers and agribusinesses. 

Meanwhile, we still anticipate USAID will take a leadership role in the initiative. Hopefully USDA’s announcement will be the first of many about how the food security initiative will function and who will serve as a coordinator.

Comments

[Charles Uphaus]

The last sentence in the USDA announcement is the critical one. American farmers need to be convinced they stand to benefit by supporting agricultural growth overseas. That may seem counterintuitive to many, but it's well established in fact. It's in getting that message out that the USDA can be the most helpful in advancing the Administration's global food security initiative.