Food and Agriculture Organization

The second session of the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization, which met in April 1948, reached the conclusion that the problem of increasing production of food supplies was still the crucial one in the world food situation. In a report submitted to the seventh session of the Economic and Social Council it was pointed out that conferences at the regional and national levels were needed to define shortages which had impeded increased agricultural production. Following the Council's decision, consultations were continued with the regional economic commissions of ECOSOC and several specialized agencies, including ILO, WHO, UNESCO, the International Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. In February, a representative of FAO brought the subject of increased food production to the attention of the WHO Interim Commission. The commission recommended that a mass attack on malaria in selected areas of major food-producing countries should be carried out as soon as possible. It was proposed that further discussions be held between FAO and UNESCO on promoting, through UNESCO's mass media and information services, awareness for the need of increased food production. Representatives of the International Bank stated that they were keenly aware of the need for greater production and hat the Bank was prepared to give consideration to requests from its member countries for loans designed to increase food production.