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HomePosts Tagged "FAO" (Page 2)
Acquaculture, AgroPolicy, Live Stock

Conclave to develop global guidelines for climate-resilient marine fisheries management 

Leading marine scientists, policymakers and high-ranking government officials from 16 regional fisheries bodies in the Indo-Pacific region covering 80 countries will gather in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu to discuss climate change in marine fisheries. The Three-day International Conclave on Mainstreaming Climate Change into International Fisheries Governance will be inaugurated by the Union Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala on Tuesday at Welccomehotel, Kences Palm Beach, Mahabalipuram. 

Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of India, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), the conclave seeks to develop guidelines for climate-resilient fisheries management and formulate strategies for the integration of climate change into international fisheries governance.

Dr L Murugan, Union Minister of State will deliver a special address and Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries will deliver the keynote address. India’s developmental, research and policy initiatives for climate-resilient marine fisheries will be presented during the inauguration of the conclave.  
The conclave will also feature a workshop exclusively to discuss India’s preparedness for adapting to climate change in marine fisheries. This workshop will encompass discussions on the current status of climate change impacts on marine fisheries in India, steps taken to address these impacts, gaps and limitations in knowledge and techniques, and actions needed in the short and long term. In addition, it will also feature presentations on cutting-edge research advancements in building climate resilience in the fisheries sector, preparedness of coastal communities, and knowledge sharing and capacity development for climate-proofing marine fisheries in the BOB region. 

“The Indo-Pacific Region comprises nearly half of the global oceanic area and accounts for about 70 per cent of global marine fisheries production. Fisheries in this region are small-scale in nature. This international conclave will help fishery experts in this region to develop strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change and build more resilient marine fisheries”, said Dr P Krishnan, Director, BOBP-IGO. 

 “The Indo-Pacific region is highly vulnerable to climate change, leading to adverse impacts on marine fisheries. These effects range from the increased frequency of extreme weather events to the threats of flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise. By fostering and executing strategies to adapt to climate change, this region can effectively safeguard the sustainable management of marine fisheries and the livelihoods of the millions of individuals who depend on them, Dr Krishnan said. 

Conclave to develop global guidelines for climate-resilient

Foodgrains, Sustainability, World

Higher world maize and sugar prices offset by lower vegetable oil quotations

The overall measure of international food commodity prices was broadly stable in September, with declines in quotations for vegetable oils, dairy and meat offset by a notable increase in those for sugar and maize, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported.

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 121.5 points in September, compared to 121.4 points in August. At this level, the index is 10.7 per cent below its value a year ago and 24.0 per cent below its all-time high reached in March 2022.

The FAO Cereal Price Index rose 1.0 per cent from the previous month, due to a 7.0 per cent increase in international maize prices, driven by strong demand for Brazil’s supplies, slower farmer selling in Argentina and increased barge freight rates due to low water levels on the Mississippi River in the United States of America. International wheat prices fell by 1.6 per cent, underpinned by ample supplies and good production prospects in the Russian Federation, while the FAO All-Rice Price Index dipped by 0.5 per cent amid generally low import demand.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined by 3.9 per cent from August, with international quotations for palm, sunflower, soy and rapeseed oils all down, driven in part by elevated seasonal production and abundant global export supplies.

The FAO Sugar Price Index increased by 9.8 per cent from August, reaching its highest level since November 2010 amid increasing concerns over a tighter global supply outlook in the upcoming season. Early forecasts point to production declines in Thailand and India, both key producers, associated with the prevailing El Niño event. The large crop currently being harvested in Brazil, amidst favourable weather conditions, limited the month-on-month increase in world sugar prices.

The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 2.3 per cent from August, its ninth drop in a row, impacted by lacklustre global import demand and ample stocks in leading producing regions. The euro’s relative weakness against the United States dollar also weighed on international dairy prices.

The FAO Meat Price Index dipped by 1.0 per cent from the previous month, with a mixture of weak import demand and ample global export availabilities pushing down quotations for pig, poultry, and ovine meats. By contrast, international bovine meat prices rebounded on the back of a strong import demand for lean beef, especially in the United States of America.

Higher world maize and sugar prices offset

Acquaculture, Agrotech, Live Stock, Taiwan

This innovative approach bolsters yields and revenues while conserving water resources through the recycling of up to 90 per cent of the aquaculture water

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the quantity of captive-bred shrimp has officially surpassed wild-caught shrimp since 2007, fostering a colossal industry with an annual production value exceeding $10 million. While the global demand for shrimp products is substantial, the aquaculture sector grapples with environmental challenges, including diseases and elevated mortality rates resulting from erratic climate patterns.

Situated within the subtropical region, there are substantial climatic variations in Taiwan throughout its four seasons. Furthermore, the impact of extreme weather events has critically impacted the traditional shrimp farming sector in the coastal regions. Excessive rainfall has resulted in devastating losses. Moreover, diverse regional conditions, including water and soil quality, present challenges to the standardisation of shrimp farming practices.


Kazuo Aquaculture, Ltd. has constructed an inland greenhouse recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), fortifying risk management within the farm environment. This innovative approach also bolsters yields and revenues while conserving water resources through the recycling of up to 90 per cent of the aquaculture water. Evaporation losses are offset through rainwater, with salinity adjustments achieved through salt supplementation. Given that the upfront costs exceed those of traditional earthen ponds, this approach has found limited adoption in Taiwan. Acknowledging this, Charlie Hsu, the company’s general manager, concedes that the expenses of establishing a comprehensive greenhouse RAS are significantly higher. However, successful high-yield aquaculture should lead to satisfactory returns on investment. As experience accumulates and technology matures, the expenses for constructing similar indoor aquaculture ponds are expected to decrease, coupled with improvements in pond quality.


Despite the initial higher costs, this innovative technology proves highly effective in curbing the transmission of diseases through waterbirds and mitigating the impacts of severe weather events. According to Hsu, “Since the inception of the farm, we have placed paramount importance on both biological control and water purity. Our approach involves nurturing shrimp within specialized greenhouses equipped with a recirculating aquaculture system. This necessitates the construction of greenhouses in various sizes for precise environmental controls. Furthermore, shrimplets are sterilised and examined before they are allowed entry into the farm, avoiding the intrusion of any pathogens.”

Moreover, an Internet of Things (IoT) network has been established to provide real-time monitoring of water quality through a mobile phone application. These parameters include temperature, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen content. This technological innovation has enhanced farmers’ decision-making, reduced labour requirements and elevated survival rates of shrimplets to approximately 90 per cent. This technology also enables year-round farming, accommodating diverse seasons and species, including vannamei schrimp, kurumaprawns, and groupers. Kazuo Aquaculture’s exceptional sapphire tiger prawns are cultivated without the use of pharmaceutical interventions, offering sweet and succulent meat. Adorned with a captivating translucent blue hue, these shrimp are suitable for raw consumption and versatile for various culinary delights.

This innovative approach bolsters yields and revenues while conserving

Japan, Sustainability, Water

The project will rehabilitate the existing Nurgal irrigation canal in Kunar province, improving both the quantity and reliability of irrigation water for agricultural production

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Government of Japan has launched a four–year project that aims to increase the amount of irrigated land, boost local food production and strengthen the food security and livelihood resilience of more than 12 600 vulnerable people in the Kunar province of eastern Afghanistan.

Facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the $9.5 million project will also provide direct environmental benefits to local communities, helping to protect fragile rangelands and recharge vital groundwater resources, which are particularly important in the context of the increasing impacts of the climate change.

Access to water is critical in Afghanistan, a country where more than 70 per cent of food production depends on irrigation.

The project will rehabilitate the existing Nurgal irrigation canal in Kunar province, improving both the quantity and reliability of irrigation water for agricultural production and increasing the total command area – the agricultural land irrigated by the canal – by 70 hectares to a total of 643 hectares, leading to both increases in overall agricultural production and increases in productivity of at least 12 per cent.  Importantly, the project will enable poor food insecure rural households to plant two crops a year, rather than just a single wheat crop, boosting incomes, resilience and food security. 

The project will also deliver benefits to communities, helping to protect more than 2,000 hectares of fragile rangelands through improved and adapted plant varieties.  The project builds on and enhances the Green Ground Project initiated in 2003 by Tetsu Nakamura and Peace (Japan) Medical Services (PMS) to build irrigation systems in the Kunar River Basin. By 2023, the PMS project will have transformed 23,800 hectares of abandoned arid farmlands back into green fields. Over 650,000 people have benefitted from this project.  

The project will rehabilitate the existing Nurgal

Foodgrains, Sustainability, World

Falling international maize and sugar prices partly offset notable jumps in wheat and vegetable oil quotations

Global food commodity prices rose in July, influenced by the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and new trade restrictions on rice, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 123.9 points in July, up 1.3 per cent from the previous month while 11.8 per cent below its July 2022 level.

The increase was driven by a sharp jump in the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index, which rose 12.1 per cent from June after seven months of consecutive declines. International sunflower oil prices rebounded by more than 15 per cent in the month, due mostly to renewed uncertainties surrounding the exportable supplies after the Russian Federation’s decision to end the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. World prices for palm, soy and rapeseed oils increased on concerns over output prospects in leading producing countries.

The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 0.5 per cent from June, driven by a 4.8 per cent drop in international coarse grain quotations due to increased seasonal supplies of maize from ongoing harvests in Argentina and Brazil and potentially higher-than-anticipated production in the United States of America. However, international wheat prices rose by 1.6 per cent, their first monthly increase in nine months, due to uncertainty over exports from Ukraine as well as continued dry conditions in North America.

The FAO All Rice Price Index increased by 2.8 per cent on the month and 19.7 per cent on the year to reach its highest nominal level since September 2011, as India’s 20 July prohibition of non-parboiled Indica exports fostered expectations of greater sales in other origins, amplifying upward pressure already exerted on prices by seasonally tighter supplies and Asian purchases. This upward pressure on rice prices “raises substantial food security concerns for a large swathe of the world population, especially those that are most poor and who dedicate a larger share of their incomes to purchase food,” FAO warned, adding that export restrictions can bear adverse consequences on production, consumption and prices that last beyond the duration of their implementation and risk exacerbating high food domestic inflation in many countries.

The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 3.9 per cent as good progress in Brazil’s sugarcane harvest and improved rains across most growing areas in India weighed on world quotations, as did subdued demand from Indonesia and China, the world’s largest sugar importers. Persistent concerns over the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon on sugarcane crops, along with higher international crude oil prices, mitigated the decline.

The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 0.4 per cent in July to stand 20.6 per cent below its July 2022 value. World cheese prices recovered slightly after steep recent declines as hot weather affected seasonally declining milk supplies in Europe.

The FAO Meat Price Index declined 0.3 per cent from June. Quotations for bovine, ovine and poultry meat declined on solid supply availabilities and in some cases lower demand from leading importers. Pig meat prices, by contrast, rose, reflecting high seasonal demand coupled with ongoing tight supplies from Western Europe and the United States of America.

Falling international maize and sugar prices partly

AgroPolicy, Dairy, Live Stock

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to foster insightful discussions and deliberations on the transformation to more efficient and sustainable agri-food systems, with a particular focus on the livestock sector.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying inaugurated an International Symposium on Sustainable Livestock Transformation at NDDB, Anand. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India; National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations have jointly organised a 2-day Symposium under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) of G20.

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to foster insightful discussions and deliberations on the transformation to more efficient and sustainable agri-food systems, with a particular focus on the livestock sector. Distinguished experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the G20 who participated in the event exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, and explored innovative approaches to ensure the sustainability of the livestock sector.

The symposium was highlighted as a milestone event, driving transformative change in the livestock sector and fostering collaborations for a sustainable future.

The event also witnessed a panel discussion with experts from WOAH- (World Organization for Animal Health), WHO- (World Health Organization), FAO-(Food and Agriculture Organization), IDF-(International Dairy Federation), NDDB-(National Dairy Development Board), and the Department. A technical tour of Amul Dairy & Chocolate Plant, and Mujkuva DCS, where delegates from the G20 countries have given insights into the processing systems, milk collection, and biogas and solar cooperatives of the country.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary (DAHD), Govt of India; Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB; Dr Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), Govt of India; Tiensin Thanawat, Director, Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO); Caroline Emond, Director General, International Dairy Federation (IDF); Dr Ailan Li, Assistant Director General, Healthier Population Division, WHO and other eminent dignitaries graced the occasion. A total of 28 foreign participants from FAO, Kenya Dairy Board, Canada, USA, France, Russia, UK, Australia, Mauritius, Brazil, The Netherlands etc participated.

Union Minister commended NDDB for organising the symposium and emphasised the role of technology in the livestock sector. He said that the Symposium deliberations will help disseminate various innovations in the livestock sector for sustainable transformation.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD said that sustainable transformation in the livestock sector becomes more relevant considering the quantum of farmers and other stakeholders associated with the sector, its role in providing livelihoods & food security and the prominence of smallholder production systems.

In his welcome address, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB said that we are looking forward to engaged deliberations amongst experts for making the livestock sector more sustainable and move towards a more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable livestock sector for – ‘Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and Better Life.’ This symposium will definitely give all of us a good platform to mutually learn from each other, chalk out a strategy and plan to address some of the contemporary challenges that both the developing and developed countries of the world are facing today in the livestock sector, including One Health, climate change and sustainability.

The 2-day long symposium was aimed to

Agrotech, Award, IT, World

GIS Technology Provider Esri recognises the system for innovative use of mapping and analytics technology

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ Data in Emergencies Information System (DIEM) has been awarded a global prize for special achievement in using geographic information system (GIS) technology by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri), the world’s largest provider of support to geographical information systems.

The FAO DIEM team received the Global Humanitarian Sector Prize for its innovative use of mapping and analytics technology at Esri’s Annual User Conference in San Diego (United States).

Since its launch, during the first wave of the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020, DIEM has made it easier for decision-makers to assess the acute food insecurity of agricultural households and analyse the key drivers when such shocks occur.

Driven by regularly collected primary data, combined with geospatial data, DIEM is a groundbreaking tool in terms of its size, sophistication, quality and speed. This is the first time that data focusing on agricultural livelihoods in food crisis contexts are being collected on this scale and frequency.

“This award is an important recognition of FAO’s efforts in advancing the use of innovative tools to improve our understanding of the impact of shocks on agricultural livelihoods,” said Rein Paulsen, Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience. “The DIEM work has great value as it provides insights into complex emergency situations. This allows FAO and partners to improve actions taken in anticipation of and in response to crises affecting millions of farmers and pastoralists worldwide.”

“Users across all industries continue to show the groundbreaking possibilities of what GIS can help them accomplish,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri founder and President. “I am honoured to recognize all the organizations for the many ways they are taking a geographic approach toward meeting some of the most pressing challenges our world faces today.”

Through the DIEM initiative, regular household surveys are conducted in more than 25 of the world’s most food-insecure countries and each year approximately 150 000 rural households are contacted per year, representing the status, difficulties and needs of more than 650 million people.

GIS Technology Provider Esri recognises the system

Foodgrains, Sustainability, World

Production growth to slow in step with population, while geopolitical tensions, climate change, animal and plant diseases and price volatility pose long-term uncertainty

Global agricultural and food production is projected to continue to increase over the next ten years but at a slower pace of growth than the previous decade due to demographic trends, according to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032 is the critical global reference for medium-term prospects for agricultural commodity markets. While uncertainty has risen due to geopolitical tensions, adverse climate trends, animal and plant diseases and increased price volatility for key agrarian inputs, global production of crops, livestock products and fish are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.1 per cent during the period, half the pace recorded in the decade ending in 2015. Total food consumption is expected to rise by 1.3 per cent per annum to 2032, indicating an increase in the share of agricultural commodities used as food.

These projections assume a fast recovery from recent inflationary pressures, normal weather conditions, no major policy changes and on-trend evolution in consumer preferences. The possibility is that persistent inflationary pressures pose downside risks to global food demand and production.

In a special assessment of key farming input prices, which have risen significantly in the past two years, Outlook calculates that every 10 per cent increase in fertiliser prices leads to a 2 per cent increase in food costs, with the burden falling hardest on the poor, who spend a larger share of their budget on food. The Outlook highlights the importance of policies to ensure greater efficiency and resilience.

“The broad trends outlined in this report are heading in the right direction but need to be accelerated,” QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General said. “Promoting a faster shift to sustainable agrifood systems will bring many benefits and help usher in better lives for all, leaving no one behind.”


“Surges in agricultural input prices experienced over the last two years have raised concerns about global food security,” Mathias Cormann, OECD Secretary-General said. “Investments in innovation, further productivity gains and reductions in the carbon intensity of production are needed to lay the foundation for long-term food security, affordability and sustainability.”


The Outlook offers decadal projections for cereals, vegetable oils, dairy products, meat, sugar, and fish, as well as cotton, tropical fruits, pulses and agricultural output used for biofuels. It also includes projections for expected regional trends in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and incorporates first-time preliminary analyses of the role of food loss and waste.  

Production growth to slow in step with

People, World

His new term will begin from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2027

QU Dongyu re-elected to a second term as Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

In the ballot by FAO member countries, Qu received 168 out of 182 votes deposited.

Nominated by China, Qu was the only candidate for FAO’s top position in the election. His new term will begin from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2027.

The election took place on the second day of the FAO Conference (1-7 July).

Since being elected FAO Director-General for the first time in 2019, Qu has championed many reforms and initiatives to overhaul the Organisation’s business model, improving efficiency and implementing best practices that support programme and administrative effectiveness.

FAO’s transparency, visibility and reputation have continued to increase over the last four years amid significant global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other protracted conflicts, economic downturns, and the intensifying climate crisis.

Qu has strongly advocated for the transformation of agrifood systems to make them more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable, with the ultimate goal of helping Members achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO has focused on boosting science and innovation and launched some important strategic initiatives. The Hand-in-Hand Initiative, for example, supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations. It uses advanced geospatial modelling and analytics and a robust partnership building to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

His new term will begin from 1

Acquaculture, Live Stock, Sustainability, World

Groundbreaking partnership with ADB, CAF, EBRD and IOC-UNESCO aims to address agricultural, municipal, and industrial pollution from land-based sources that harm coastal environments.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), along with four partner agencies, has been tasked with leading the Clean and Healthy Oceans Integrated Program, a source-to-sea initiative that will direct up to $115 million in grants to help countries curb land-based pollution of coastal environments and Large Marine Ecosystems. 

The decision was made at the 64th Council Meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health.

FAO will co-lead the program together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) in a strategic partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO).

Oceans have lost nearly 2 per cent of their oxygen since the 1950s, resulting in dead zones – known as hypoxia – that cannot support marine life. Pollution from land-based sources, including the overuse of fertiliser, organic waste from livestock, and untreated municipal and industrial wastewater, typically drives hypoxia worldwide.

Land-based pollution puts marine biodiversity, ecosystems, coastal economies and industries reliant on fisheries and the oceans’ resources at risk. Under long-term hypoxia, coral reefs may experience mass mortalities, valuable coastal fish species migrate to higher oxygen areas, and many marine species’ growth and reproduction rates plummet.

The Clean and Healthy Oceans Integrated Program aims to curb land-based pollution of our oceans through policy and regulatory innovation, infrastructure investments, and nature-based solutions. It will also map land-based sources of ocean pollution to understand the impacts of hypoxia better and apply ocean science to develop solutions that improve human and ocean health.

Specifically, the program aims to improve sustainable practices on 200,000 hectares of landscapes and 14.3 million hectares of marine habitats (an area roughly the size of all of Thailand’s cultivable land). Additional aims include reducing pollution and improving management in more than three Large Marine Ecosystems, and mitigating 5.6 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

This is the first time FAO, ADB, CAF, EBRD and IOC-UNESCO have teamed up under one program to deliver global environmental benefits.

Groundbreaking partnership with ADB, CAF, EBRD and

Finance, Sustainability, World

FAO Investment Centre’s 2022 Annual Review looks at achievements and priorities

Investment and finance solutions play a critical role in transforming our agrifood systems, especially at a time when multiple shocks keep pushing more people into hunger and poverty.

This is an area where “the FAO Investment Centre is leading that charge,” QU Dongyu, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), wrote in the foreword of the 2022 Annual Review of the Centre, which for nearly 60 years has been helping countries and financing partners make more and better agri-food investments to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition, improve rural livelihoods and protect the environment.

“We must act together – and quickly – to tackle these global challenges for a healthier, more sustainable future that leaves no one behind. That means transforming the way our agrifood systems work, from how we produce, supply and consume our food to how we reduce food losses and waste in our landfills. Ultimately, the goal is to help countries realise the four betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all,” Qu wrote.

According to the review published, 2022 saw the Centre clock some notable achievements against the backdrop of volatile food, fertiliser and fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, conflict, the climate crisis, humanitarian emergencies and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those include support in the design of 45 public investment projects in 32 countries, worth a total of $8.8 billion in new investments – up 22 per cent from the previous year’s $7.2 billion.

They also include investment policy contributions in 65 countries, along with 52 agricultural strategies, 25 sector studies, 17 policy studies and 6 policy dialogues, as well as 54 new knowledge products – from a high-profile study on carbon neutrality in agrifood systems to investing in youth in Africa, among others.

Of particular note was the first Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum, which was held during the 2022 World Food Forum, and matched 20 Hand-in-Hand countries and three regional initiatives with potential investors.

Above all, the Centre entered a transformative period of its own in early 2022 with the launch of its Transformation Plan, the so-called “4+2 solutions,” which seeks to make it even more fit-for-purpose, structured and staffed to respond to the growing and evolving demand from Members and investors.

FAO Investment Centre’s 2022 Annual Review looks

Environment, Nature, Sustainability, World

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are communities which base their livelihoods and food security on their close relationship with their surroundings

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) awarded certificates to 24 new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) sites.

The 24 sites, which have been designated by FAO since the last ceremony in 2018, are located in 12 countries, including Brazil, China, Spain, Ecuador, Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Morocco.

At the award ceremony, which also marked the International Day for Biological Diversity, Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General said that many of the GIAHS had become reservoirs of biological diversity.

“In the context of agri-food systems and rural areas, we need to consider the combined conservation of biodiversity and food diversity. This is the most pragmatic way to raise public awareness of biodiversity.

“Agricultural heritage systems showcase practices that offer solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss, in particular at the local level,” he said.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are communities which base their livelihoods and food security on their close relationship with their surroundings.

24 new Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) sites are:

Brazil: Traditional Agricultural System in the Southern Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais.

China: Shexian Dryland Stone Terraced System; Anxi Tieguanyin Tea Culture System; Ar Horqin Grassland Nomadic System in Inner Mongolia; Qingyuan Forest-Mushroom Co-culture System in Zhejiang Province.

Ecuador: Andean chakra: An Ancestral Agricultural System of Kichwas Cotacachi Communities; Amazonian Chakra, a traditional agroforestry system managed by Indigenous communities in Napo province.

Iran: Qanat-based Saffron Farming System in Gonabad; Grape Production System in Jowzan Valley

Italy: Soave Traditional Vineyards; Olive groves of the slopes between Assisi and Spoleto

Japan: Biwa lake to land integrated system; Fruit Cultivation System in Kyoutou Region, Yamanashi.

Republic of Korea: Geumsan Traditional Ginseng Agricultural System; Damyang Bamboo Field Agriculture System.

Mexico: Ich Kool: Mayan milpa of the Yucatan peninsula.  

Morocco: Argan-based agro-sylva-pastoral system within the area of Ait Souab-Ait Mansour; The Ksour of Figuig: Oasis and Pastoral Culture Around the Social Management of Water and Land.

Spain: Agricultural System Ancient Olive Trees Territorio Sénia; Historical Irrigation System at l’Horta de València; Agrosilvopastoral system Mountains of León;

Thailand: Thale Noi Wetland Pastoral Buffalo Agro-ecosystem

Tunisia: Hanging Gardens from Djebba El Olia; Ramli Agricultural System in the Lagoons of Ghar El Melh.

 GIAHS, a flagship program of FAO, was established in 2002 to identify and protect important agricultural heritage sites and their associated biodiversity, landscapes, knowledge systems, and cultures. This network currently consists of 74 systems across the world, according to the FAO. 

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Horticulture, Sustainability, World

The tea industry can become an engine for economic growth and for restoration of the ecosystems

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) kicked off a global celebration for International Tea Day 2023 at its Rome headquarters.

“In the last three years, the world has faced significant challenges, due to conflicts and economic downturns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in overlap with extreme weather events due to the climate crisis.” QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General said in his opening remarks. “The tea industry can become an engine for economic growth and for restoration of the ecosystems. It can contribute to our fight against poverty and hunger, and represents a major source of income and employment, especially for rural communities,” he added.

The focus of this year’s celebration is smallholder tea producers and Qu underlined their importance for the sustainability of the sector. “We want to celebrate their achievements, but also raise awareness about the significant challenges they face, and the urgent need to mobilise political will to support them,” he said, adding that “we must all work together and leverage all possible means, including increased and more targeted public and private investments, to transform the tea sector.”

Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water, and can bring health benefits and wellness to consumers. Over the past decades, the global tea industry has seen rapid growth, with a remarkably rising number of consumers globally. Especially, tea consumption by the youth segment of the market has expanded.

Global tea production amounts to over $18 billion annually. Around 13 million people are involved in global tea production. It is estimated that in the four major producing countries (China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka), around 9 million tea farmers are smallholders. 

The tea industry can become an engine

Acquaculture, Live Stock, World

Parties to FAO global agreement endorse a strategy for strengthened global commitment and information exchange

Parties to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (PSMA) have agreed to strengthen efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing by extending vessel inspections, exchanging global information and improving the capacity of developing states.

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties, an event hosted by the Indonesian Government in Bali, has endorsed a strategy to increase adherence to the PSMA.

The Parties also agreed to take the Global Information Exchange System (GIES), a digital system developed by FAO at the request of the Parties, from its current pilot phase to a fully operational system by the end of this year.

“FAO is working with countries and regional fisheries management organisations to combat IUU fishing, by reviewing national legislation, identifying ways to strengthen their institutional capacity, and helping them enhance their monitoring and surveillance systems, so they can effectively implement the PSMA and other international instruments to promote sustainable fisheries,” said Manuel Barange, the director of FAO’s fisheries and aquaculture division.

Currently, one in three fish stocks is overfished. With the rising demand for aquatic foods, ensuring that all stocks are managed sustainably is crucial.

The PSMA has the highest rate of adherence of all international fisheries instruments. It is the first binding international agreement designed to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by stopping foreign vessels engaging in it, from using ports, landing their catches, or even denying them entry. It is a key instrument to block fish products derived from IUU fishing from entering international markets.

So far 75 Parties, including the European Union as one Party on behalf of its Member States, have adhered to the PSMA. This represents 59 per cent of port States globally. Timor-Leste became the latest Party to the agreement at the end of last month.  

The Global Information Exchange System (GIES) plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of the PSMA. It is a global system that shares vital information including inspection reports and actions taken on foreign fishing vessels engaged in IUU fishing.

“We need streamlined information exchange and digitalisation for the PSMA to effectively combat IUU fishing,” said Matthew Camilleri, senior fishery officer and head of the Fisheries Global and Regional Processes Team in FAO’s fisheries and aquaculture division.

During this Fourth Meeting of the Parties, Parties to the PSMA pledged further support to the Global Capacity Development Programme, which has to date supported more than 50 developing States in improving their capacity to combat IUU fishing.

Parties to FAO global agreement endorse a