Agriculture's Future Is Bright In 21st Century, Wb Executive

ISTANBUL - An executive of the World Bank said on Friday that agriculture had a bright future in the 21st century.
Mark Cackler, the manager of the Agriculture & Rural Development Department of the World Bank, said that agriculture was still of vital importance.
Speaking in Forum Istanbul 2008, Cackler urged countries to care about agricultural production to reduce poverty, to increase economic growth and protect the environment.
The World Bank executive said there was a growing interest in agriculture in the world.
Cackler also said many people had admitted that agriculture was an important factor for development since 2007, after a hike in food prices.
Forum Istanbul 2008 began in this Turkish city on April 23rd, and due to end later on Friday. Turkey`s stability and growth initiative are main topics discussed in the forum.
Turkey`s State Minister Mehmet Simsek, European Movement International President Pat Cox, International Monetary Fund`s European Department Director Michael Deppler were among the participants of the forum.
(BRC-ULG)