Commissioner Piebalgs closing remarks at the Agribusiness Forum

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, April 10, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Agriculture in Africa accounts for 65 percent of total employment and 32 percent of GDP. Increasing investments in agriculture – starting with support to small farmer and other domestic investors – stimulate increased production and can potentially create wealth for smallholders and rural communities. As such, it is key to fighting food insecurity. Moreover, it makes good business sense.

That's why I am delighted that we've come together today to discuss agricultural development in Africa and the role public efforts can play alongside those of small farmers and businesses in realising the vast potential agriculture offers to pull countries and millions of people out of poverty. We believe agriculture-based inclusive growth is crucial to poverty alleviation and wealth creation.