Thanks, Mr. Chair.
I want to begin by thanking you and the clerk for getting us out of the basement. I do think it makes a difference. I do think that was a problem, and I want to thank our witnesses who were not able to connect last time for continuing. I think we will take responsibility for that.
I want to go to Professor Clapp.
I'll put you in a difficult position. I'm listening to all the testimony on this area of food, and I'm trying to discern Canada's role. I want you to help me a little bit with priorities. I know we want everything—everybody always wants everything—but I'm trying to look at what Canada's role would be. I'm looking at delivery of food, increasing production in Canada and getting food out of our country and into places where they need food and can have it at affordable prices.
There's money, dollars for developing countries to buy food. We need to increase that, obviously, but that's also a cost.
Concerning long-term development, you have been talking about it in terms of yields, in terms of sustainable production and in terms of having countries be able to create their own food supply chains, particularly in Africa but not only in Africa.
Then there are diplomacy and multilateral activity, working on all the ways in which countries, particularly the developing world, do the exchange of ideas, laws, sanctions, promotions and engagement at that diplomatic level.
There are four areas. There are probably more, but in my head right now there are four areas. Can you help me a little bit with where you think this committee should be pushing government on our priorities in the area of food security? I'm sorry for the hard question. I know you will say “everything”.