October 28, 2008

Public and private sector leaders gathered in New York City in September to discuss partnerships for combating hunger worldwide. President George W. Bush dropped by the Investing in Agriculture Partnerships to Combat Hunger Symposium following his address to the UN General Assembly and stressed the United States' commitment to helping those who need food.

U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator and Director of U.S. Foreign Assistance Henrietta Fore led the symposium and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships to support food security, agriculture and rural growth.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, along with other world leaders, corporate executives, including Land O’Lakes President and CEO Chris Policinksi, participated in the discussions regarding reducing hunger around the world, by creating self-sustaining communities using agriculture and technology.

“Today’s gathering reflects the growing sense of urgency surrounding global hunger—and the realization that this issue is so challenging that it can only be addressed through the collaborative efforts of government, the business community, humanitarian organizations and concerned individuals,” Policinski said. “At Land O’Lakes, we’re proud of our long, proven commitment to addressing global hunger through the development of agricultural production and processing capabilities in developing nations and emerging economies.

“I want to commend your Administration for making an additional $5 billion available over the next two years for programs aimed at resolving the global food crisis—and commit Land O’Lakes to continued involvement in those efforts,” Policinski continued. “Ultimately, the farmers and ranchers who own
Land O’Lakes see this work as part of our commitment to being a good neighbor—in an increasingly global neighborhood.”