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Of all the decisions world leaders must make - on banking regulations, fuel prices, global warming, budgets - nothing is as important as guaranteeing the food supply. The equation is simple but it must be stated clearly and categorically; without food people die and societies face upheaval.
We are in the midst of a global food crisis which is hopefully going to be tackled by world leaders. More than 40 heads of state are meeting at an emergency UN food summit to draw up an action plan over soaring food prices.
Prices for staples such as rice, soya and wheat have risen 83 per cent in three years, making them unaffordable in the poorest countries. Global agriculture must be given the resources needed to make sure that famine and hunger do not again stalk the planet.
We have already had a small example of the emotion that is aroused whenever the price for basic foodstuffs goes up with riots in a number of countries.
The crisis has to be tackled by a two-pronged approach. One is simple food aid, making sure that food is delivered to those who need it most. The second involves showing people and communities how to grow food and harvest as well as giving them the means to do it.
There is much to keep the world leaders at the three-day summit in Rome occupied. No doubt they will discuss short-term solutions, such as increasing cash aid, strategies to deal with the effects of climate change and the growing demand for biofuels.
But it is extremely important that the summit gives a clear message that there is a political will to match the urgency of the situation. No other area is in such need of immediate action or cries out for such firm leadership.
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