On Friday at the Business 20 (B20) summit, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), told global private-sector leaders that transformed and inclusive agri-food systems are needed to end hunger around the world and drive responses to other global challenges such as the climate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic affected economic activities worldwide and also contributed to the largest single-year increase in global hunger, adding as many as … [Read more...] about FAO calls for more and better agri-food investments to fight hunger
World food commodity prices rise further in September, reports FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that the World food commodity prices rose in September, led by tightening supply conditions and robust demand for staples such as wheat and palm oil. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 130.0 points in September, up 1.2 percent from August and 32.8 percent higher than in September 2020. The index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly-traded food commodities. The FAO Cereal Price Index in … [Read more...] about World food commodity prices rise further in September, reports FAO
FAO: Aquaculture is vital to meet increasing food demand
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu said that aquaculture is playing a critical role in global food production, but innovation and equity are required to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. On the opening day of the Global Conference on Aquaculture Millenium+20 in Shanghai, the Director-General highlighted aquaculture as the fastest growing agri-food sector globally saying there is huge potential for further expansion in … [Read more...] about FAO: Aquaculture is vital to meet increasing food demand
World Food Forum to take place in Rome on October 1-5
The youth led World Food Forum (WFF) holds its first flagship event in Rome on October 1-5, bringing together people from diverse sectors around the world to galvanize global action following up to the Summit. The five-day flagship event aims to spur actions by youth to help shape the future of food and agriculture. Speakers will include Pope Francis, Queen Letizia of Spain, Costa Rica President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, President of UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid and FAO Director-General … [Read more...] about World Food Forum to take place in Rome on October 1-5
FAO urges G20 countries to step up support for rural farmers in Afghanistan
Among Afghanistan's many challenges, it is urgent that the international community tackle the dramatic hunger risk conditions faced by a third of the population and the livelihood risks in rural region areas where 70 percent of the population live, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), told G20 Foreign Ministers late Wednesday. "Supporting local agri-food production and safeguarding rural livelihoods must be a priority," the … [Read more...] about FAO urges G20 countries to step up support for rural farmers in Afghanistan
Leading renewables players call for partnership between renewable energy and agriculture sectors
To push for fast-moving progress, leading renewable energy players under the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Coalition for Action issue a joint statement, urging renewable energy and agriculture sectors to break down silos and collaborate. By jointly advancing the integration of renewables in the agriculture sector, stakeholders can make an essential contribution towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals and global climate objectives. Energy use is responsible for about … [Read more...] about Leading renewables players call for partnership between renewable energy and agriculture sectors
Asia and the Pacific governments must transform agriculture to make it more modern, climate-proof and inclusive: ADB Report
Asia and the Pacific governments must transform agriculture to make it more modern, climate-proof and inclusive as the region recovers from the pandemic, according to a new report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) coronavirus (COVID-19). With 76% of Asia's poor living in rural areas, increasing productivity and income in agriculture is at the core of the fight against poverty, according to the thematic chapter of the updated Asia Development Outlook 2021, published today. ADB, a leading … [Read more...] about Asia and the Pacific governments must transform agriculture to make it more modern, climate-proof and inclusive: ADB Report
ESCAP and Gates Foundation promote business models in agriculture and food systems in South and South-East Asia
A new partnership between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will promote inclusive business models in agriculture and food systems in South and South-East Asia. The 3-year programme will expand the geographic reach of the partners’ successful experiences in fostering innovative business models that are of particular benefit to low-income as well as women farmers. “ESCAP is committed to reimagining … [Read more...] about ESCAP and Gates Foundation promote business models in agriculture and food systems in South and South-East Asia
Report shows Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa remain optimistic about the future of farming
Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are impacted disproportionately by climate change, poverty and undernutrition, yet a report released shows many remain optimistic about the future of farming. Of the thousands of farmers taking part in the four-country survey, two-thirds believe their children can succeed in farming, though many cautioned that food systems will need to change in order to make living incomes possible. On Air Dialogues: Listening to Rural People, released by Farm … [Read more...] about Report shows Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa remain optimistic about the future of farming
Agriculture and tourism key to sustainable and shared prosperity in Lao PDR, says ADB report
According to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), raising competitiveness and strengthening the links between agriculture and tourism will contribute to post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recovery and inclusive growth in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Phonevanh Outhavong said: “Creating quality and productive jobs is among the top priorities of the government’s policy agenda. It has now become even more important not only for … [Read more...] about Agriculture and tourism key to sustainable and shared prosperity in Lao PDR, says ADB report
