Latest news with #FoodandAgricultureOrganisation
El Chorouk
2 days ago
- Politics
- El Chorouk
President Tebboune Urges Delivery of Food, Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Kamel Rezig, affirmed Tuesday from Addis Ababa, where he is participating, at the behest of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in the United Nations Food Systems Follow-up Summit, Algeria's position calling for urgent international action to unconditional delivery of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza, where civilians are suffering from systematic starvation and collective deprivation of the right to food. In his speech at the second edition of the UNFSS+4 summit, the minister affirmed that Algeria 'calls from this platform for urgent and immediate international action aimed at ensuring the unconditional delivery of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza, and working diligently to put an end to this blatant violation of international law.' He added in the same context that 'talk about food justice is incomplete without addressing the ongoing tragedies, such as the systematic starvation and mass food deprivation taking place in the Gaza Strip, which is a stain on humanity.' Rezig regretted that 'more than two million people there, the majority of whom are children and women, are suffering from famine and starvation in flagrant violation of all humanitarian values and principles.' He explained that 'given this painful reality, Algeria joins its voice to that of the UN Secretary-General, who affirmed yesterday, in his opening remarks, the need not to use food as a weapon against peoples. He emphasised that food must remain a guaranteed human right, not a tool of pressure or collective punishment.' In the same context, he added that Algeria 'believes that achieving food security is a fundamental pillar of dignity and sovereignty' and that 'transforming food systems fairly and inclusively requires, above all, effective coordination between action, investment, and accountability.' In the same context, he considered that people 'need not just speeches, but commitments that are translated into action, fair investments directed towards vulnerable groups and marginalised areas, and clear mechanisms that ensure transparency and collective accountability.' In this regard, the Minister expressed 'Algeria's appreciation for the integrated efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development to build more sustainable food systems resilient to climate and geopolitical crises, especially in developing regions.' He also stressed that Algeria is 'ready to share its experiences, particularly in the field of desert agriculture, to build a more just and humane shared food future.
L'Orient-Le Jour
2 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Erdogan accuses Israel of using famine as 'weapon'
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday blasted Israel for condemning the people of Gaza to famine, saying that images coming from the Palestinian enclave were worse than "Nazi camps". "Israel's use of hunger as a weapon, especially against Palestinians, is the clearest indication that they have not taken any share of humanity," the Turkish leader said at a press conference in Ankara. "Images coming from Gaza are far worse, more brutal, and inhumane than those from Nazi camps. A people is being killed by hunger and thirst before the eyes of the world," he added. The World Food Programme, UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organisation warned that time was running out and that Gaza was "on the brink of a full-scale famine". Erdogan once again called Israel a "terrorist state" and claimed it subjected "our Gazan brothers (...) to genocide."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Dewan Rakyat passes Fisheries Bill amendment to curb illegal fishing
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at strengthening enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the intrusion of foreign vessels, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today. In his winding-up speech, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the Bill had undergone an inclusive and holistic review process and had been carefully refined. "It not only addresses domestic needs but also aligns Malaysia with international standards, including the requirements of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the recommendations of the European Commission, positioning the country as one that takes a firm stance against such fishing activity. "This Bill is not merely a legal amendment, but a reform initiative to enhance the governance of the national fisheries sector, ensure resource sustainability, and protect the rights of fishermen, including small communities in rural and island areas," he said. A total of 29 Members of Parliament took part in the debate on the Bill. Touching on the leakage of national resources and losses due to encroachment by foreign fishermen between 2020 and 2024, Arthur said the estimated losses amounted to around RM823 million. These included lost commercial fish catches, the destruction of marine habitats, and pressure on local fishery resources. "This is also related to the intrusion of foreign fishermen into Malaysian waters. The Fisheries Act 1985 already provides authority under subsection 15(1) to act against such intrusions. In 2019, amendments were introduced to raise the maximum fine from RM1 million to RM6 million for vessel skippers, and from RM100,000 to RM600,000 for crew members. "Section 52 also provides for the forfeiture of vessels upon conviction in court. From 2020 to 2024, a total of 515 foreign vessel intrusion cases were recorded, of which 367 involved vessels from Vietnam," he said. He added that Section 25 has been amended to increase the general penalty from RM20,000 to RM100,000. Section 26 raises the maximum fine for fishing offences involving explosives, poisons, or similar substances from RM20,000 to RM250,000, along with imprisonment of up to five years. He said the Bill also addresses ongoing encroachments into restricted fishing zones by trawlers where Subsection 13(3) empowers the Director-General to suspend, revoke, or reject renewal applications of licences belonging to individuals who commit offences in coastal zones. Penalties under this subsection include licence suspension of up to one year, compound fines, and the confiscation of equipment. "Furthermore, subsection 13(3a) allows the Director-General to bar individuals whose licences have been revoked from reapplying for up to five years. This serves as a preventive and deterrent measure to protect national fishery resources and is considered a severe penalty to curb repeat offences," he said. The Bill also introduces amendments to Section 31, aiming to strengthen the compounding mechanism in a way that is fairer to small-scale fishermen. "The minimum compound amount has been reduced from RM500 to RM100, and the cap on the number of compoundable offences has been lifted. "Offences such as fishing without a vessel licence under paragraph 8(a) may now be compounded if they involve traditional fishing methods that do not damage resources or cause encroachment. "Compound regulations are detailed under Section 61. These amendments represent a firm yet compassionate enforcement approach where it is strict on serious offences, but considerate towards minor infractions, reflecting the aspirations of the Madani Government," Arthur said. Arthur also noted that the Bill strengthens joint legal and operational coordination through amendments to Sections 46 to 56, which streamline collaboration between the Department of Fisheries (DOF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the police, and the Royal Malaysian Navy. KW: Passed, fisheries, enforcement, IUU, foreign vessels, penalties, Malaysia, The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan seeks FAO support
Listen to article Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to review ongoing collaboration and explore future opportunities in Pakistan's agriculture and livestock sectors. According to a statement released on Friday, the FAO delegation was led by Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division. Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, who is completing her tenure, also attended the meeting. The minister appreciated FAO's support since 1947, now covering projects in 94 districts. He welcomed FAO's new Global Work Plan, approved by 194 member states, and expressed interest in its implementation. Hussain said Pakistan is committed to revitalising its agriculture and livestock sectors to boost food security and exports. He reiterated the government's interest in mobilising foreign investment and appreciated FAO's willingness to support such initiatives under the new work plan. Tiensin acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in disease control, food safety, and export readiness. He praised the potential of Pakistan's livestock sector and recommended Brazil's model of transformation through research and innovation. The minister briefed the delegation on the newly formed National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority (NAFSA), inspired by Egypt's model. To further this learning, Pakistan will send a technical delegation to Egypt to study the institutional mechanisms and best practices adopted there. He stressed the need to revive Pakistan's representation at FAO, which has been vacant since 2017, and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in line with the Prime Minister's vision for science-led agricultural development. He also expressed interest in expanding collaboration with leading research institutions in China and Europe. FAO shared updates on upcoming global events, including the Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and the World Food Forum.
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's green path to food security on World Food Day 2025
AS World Food Day approaches on Oct 16, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, its theme of "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future" resonates with Malaysia's ongoing journey towards sustainable food security. Underpinned by the Madani framework's core principles of sustainability, prosperity, and compassion, I, as a plant scientist, believe the answers to our food challenges lie beneath our feet and within our innovative capabilities. Malaysia has made commendable strides in its Global Food Security Index, rising to 41st globally in 2022. Yet, a closer look at our agricultural landscape reveals a persistent reliance on imports for key commodities. In 2023, Malaysia's food import bill soared to nearly RM78.79 billion. Our self-sufficiency levels for essential produce like beef (15.9 per cent in 2023), mutton (10.6 per cent), and even vegetables like round cabbage (41 per cent) and chilli (37.1 per cent) remain below desired thresholds, leaving us vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price volatility. The statistics on food waste are equally thought-provoking. Malaysians discard an alarming 16,720 tonnes of food daily, with a significant 24 per cent still edible. This translates to perfectly good food — enough to feed an estimated 12 million people three times a day — ending up in landfills, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This paradoxical waste, coupled with our import dependency, underscores the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in our current food system. Climate change adds another layer of complexity. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, including floods and droughts, severely impact agricultural yields. Projections indicate that rice yields in critical granary areas like the Muda granary area could see reductions of 18 to 26 per cent by the late century under various climate scenarios if adaptation measures are not scaled up. This directly threatens our staple food production. So, how can we, hand in hand, cultivate a better future? Firstly, embracing plant science and agricultural technology is not an option but a necessity. We must invest more robustly in research and development for climate-resilient crops, enhanced crop yields, and sustainable farming practices. Innovations in smart farming, vertical farms, and controlled environment agriculture can mitigate land scarcity and climate change impact, ensuring consistent food production closer to consumers. Imagine urban vertical farms supplying fresh produce to cities, drastically cutting down "food miles" and bolstering local food supply. The government's commitment under the Madani framework is evident in recent policy adjustments. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a new padi floor price of RM1,500 per metric tonne for 2025, along with the Padi Price Subsidy Scheme set at RM500 per metric tonne, directly addresses farmer welfare. Coupled with the RM150 million subsidy to rice millers to maintain the ceiling price of local white rice at RM2.60 per kilogram, these efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to ensuring both producer livelihood and consumer affordability within our food ecosystem. Secondly, empowering our local farmers, particularly the youth, is crucial. The average age of Malaysian farmers is increasing, and there's a prevailing perception that agriculture is not a lucrative or attractive career. We need to make agriculture "sexy" through technology adoption, attractive financial incentives, and educational programmes that highlight modern farming as a high-tech, entrepreneurial venture. Integrating livestock rearing into existing oil palm plantations, for instance, offers immense untapped potential for both food production and economic diversification. Thirdly, addressing food waste at every level requires collective responsibility. From households to industries, we must adopt a "no waste" mindset. Simple actions like meal planning, mindful consumption, and composting can significantly reduce household food waste. Policies and initiatives that encourage food redistribution to those in need, similar to organisations like The Lost Food Project, should be scaled up. Businesses can leverage technology for better inventory management and reduce pre-consumer waste. Finally, fostering a "seed-to-table" consciousness will strengthen our food security. Consumers have a powerful role to play by supporting local produce, understanding seasonal availability, and appreciating the journey of their food. Government, industry, academia, and civil society must collaborate through a "quadruple helix" approach, aligning policies, investments, and community efforts to build a truly resilient and sustainable food ecosystem and supply chain. World Food Day 2025 is a call to action. By leveraging agricultural advancements, innovative agri-food businesses, empowering our agricultural workforce, and embracing responsible consumption, Malaysia can secure its food future and set an example as the host of the Asean Summit this year.
