News: Remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies by Melanne Verveer, September 7, 2010.

“Investing in women is also a key pillar of the President’s Feed the Future Initiative, which was developed under Secretary Clinton’s leadership. It is a $3.5 billion commitment to strengthen the world’s food supply, so farmers can support their families and food can be available more broadly. It focuses on sustainably reducing hunger through greater agriculture productivity and recognizes that most of the world’s food is grown, harvested, stored and prepared by women who comprise the great majority of the world’s small-holder farmers. To that end, it recognizes that women farmers have specific needs for training, access to financial services, markets and decision-making if they are to become more agriculturally productive. In some regions, women produce 70% of food, earn 10% income, and own only 1% of land. The reform of land tenure and property rights, as well as inheritance laws, can help advance women in farming and help to secure the world’s food supply.”— Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, U.S. Department of State, “Making the Most of the Millennium Development Goals Summit: Advancing Progress Through the Empowerment of Women and Girls <http://www.state.gov/s/gwi/rls/rem/2010/146926.htm> ,”