International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP)
Website: http://www.ifap.org/
Category: Business
Year of Foundation: 1946
Location of Foundation: London, UK
Location of Headquarters: Paris, France
Brief Description: The International Federation of Agricultural Producers describes itself as 'the world farmers organisation representing over 600 million farm families grouped in 120 national organizations in 79 countries. It is a global network in which farmers from industrialised and developing countries exchange concerns and set common priorities.' (source: www.ifap.org; accessed 19 April 2010).
Founding Rationales:
At the International Conference of Agricultural Producers held in Westminster in May 1946, Mr. J. K. Knowles 'emphasised that the tour made by a United Kingdom party had resulted in the view that some sort of organisation, such as this resolution would propose, was needed if order were to be brought from chaos in the post-war world. The U.K. delegation proposed the setting up of a Federation of Agricultural Producers with the utmost vigour they could command, as it felt that there would be more hope of peace and the adequate feeding of the peoples of the world if the agricultural producers got together to consider their part in plans for the future. ... He moved:- "That this Conference being determined to secure the fullest co-operation between national organisations of agricultural primary producers in meeting the optimum nutritional and consumption requirements for the peoples of the world, RESOLVES to establish an International Federation of Agricultural Producers and FURTHER RESOLVES that the objects of the Federation shall be:- (a) to advise on and assist inter-governmental action through the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and other international bodies in the planning of the production and marketing of agricultural primary products; (b) to promote efficiency of production and marketing of agricultural commodities; (c) to co-ordinate action by such national organisations, to promote the well-being of all who obtain their livelihood from the land and to assure to them an adequate and steady remuneration."'
Source: International Federation of Agricultural Producers, 'Official Report of the International Conference of Agricultural Producers held at Church House, Westminster, SW1, from May 21st-31st 1946', p. 9.
Evolution of Membership (farm families represented):
Sources: Toledo Blade (18 Oct. 1960); www.who.int and www.ifap.org (accessed 20 April 2010).