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Every year, governments spend more than $700 billion on agricultural subsidies. But many of these policies fail to achieve their economic development goals, like boosting crop yields and creating jobs. Some even reward practices that harm grasslands and forests and erode the natural capital that is at the heart of farmer wealth.

Now it's time for governments to flip the switch and help people restore their land's lost vitality: Revitalizing 150 million hectares of degraded agricultural land could create at least $85 billion in economic benefits, $30-40 billion per year for smallholder farmers, and additional food for 200 million people.

Join World Resources Institute for the launch of a new report, Repurposing Agricultural Subsidies To Restore Degraded Farmland And Rural Prosperity, that highlights the four key steps governments can take to realize this vision, building on case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America:

Healthy Farms, Wealthy Farmers event social graphic

Government leaders that have done the hard work of policy reform will share their perspectives in advance of the UN Food Systems Summit. Then, a panel will highlight what shifts in the policy environment need to happen so that agriculture can become a major driver pf the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).

Speakers:

  • Izabella Teixeira, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel and Former Minister of Environment, Brazil
  • Helen Ding, Environmental Economist, WRI
  • S Vijay Kumar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, and Lead, Food and Land Use Coalition - India
  • Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj (Farmers' Forum India)
  • Debra Magwada, Founder and CEO, Rejuvenate! Umhlaba

Photo Credit: Peter Irungu/WRI