Agriculture play a strategic role, particularly in combating poverty and food insecurity. In 2050 global food production has to increase by 70% from the current level to meet demand of the growing population which reach more than 9 billion. However, food production is confronted with the increasing challenges related to climate change, competition of resources with biofuel development, and food price volatility.

These challenges call for global and national initiatives to accelerate food productivity and production. We need higher public and private investment in agriculture, both globally and domestically. Investment is needed particularly to finance research and development to accelerate agricultural innovation. Public and private initiatives are also need to promote development of rural and agricultural infrastructures.

A stronger public-private partnership is needed to synergize the available resources and to synchronize efforts for a better outcome in term of productivity growth and sustainable agribusiness development. The partnership is also needed to link framers with a growing domestic and international markets.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, I fully support The Crop World South East Asia 2011 (CWSEA 2011) Conference and Exhibition, the 1st Indonesian International event for Agribusiness and Food Industry Sector. This event is expected to provide opportunity to both government and private sector to develop collaborative activities on agriculture.

I would like to express appreciation and gratitude to UBM Asia Ltd, The Organizer of this event for addressing global and regional issues related to food supply, include productivity, sustainability, and community development.

Finally, I do hope that this event provide significant impact to enhance food security in the region.

Minister of Agriculture
The Republic of Indonesia