Kathmandu– The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new science and innovation network aimed at transforming agrifood systems across the Asia-Pacific region. The announcement was made during the One Country One Product (OCOP) second regional organizing group meeting in China, where FAO emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods in the region.
FAO’s initiative is set to enhance the development of 20 Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) identified by 22 countries in the region. These unique products, though lesser-known compared to staple crops, hold enormous potential for integration into domestic, regional, and international markets, contributing significantly to food security and healthy diets.
“By bringing science and innovation to the forefront, this new network will help countries maximize the value of their unique agricultural products,” said Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. The initiative seeks to drive inclusive growth and sustainable agriculture by focusing on culturally significant and ecologically adaptable SAPs.
The network is built on partnerships with leading global institutions, including China’s Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR-CAS) and Thailand’s Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University. These collaborations aim to utilize innovative methodologies, such as the Geographical Indications, Environment, and Sustainability (GIES) approach, to monitor the environmental impact, ensure traceability, and enhance the nutritional value of SAP-based foods.
An international capacity-building workshop on the GIES methodology will be held in Beijing from September 11–21, 2024, where participants will engage in hands-on training and showcase their SAP products at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
This new network aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022–2031, contributing to its goals of better production, nutrition, environment, and overall quality of life, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transformation of agrifood systems.
