Latest news with #agrifood
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Africa-Asia dialogue on agrifood systems transformation to open in Viet Nam
Agriculture ministers and top-level policymakers from 14 African countries will meet with their counterparts from three Asian countries in Hanoi on 15 July 2025 to discuss making agrifood production more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable to reduce high levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in both regions. The High-Level Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Models, co-organized by the Government of Viet Nam and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is the first intercontinental dialogue on agrifood systems transformation, guided by the FAO 'Four Betters' vision – Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind. The dialogue is an initiative of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu to familiarize developing countries in Africa with Viet Nam's success in agrifood systems transformation, which is helping reduce wide urban-rural economic disparities in the Southeast Asian nation. The event includes an exchange of national experiences in implementing FAO's flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, which was launched in 2021 to promote sustainable value chains of special agricultural products with unique geographical and cultural traits. 'We look forward to this exchange of knowledge and ideas, and to learn together how to transform agrifood systems for the benefit of all,' said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, in a video message ahead of the event. 'This special event in Viet Nam offers a critical opportunity for Africa and Asia to learn from one another. Sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and building partnerships are vital to overcoming the common challenges we face, building on each other's successes, and ensuring no one is left behind,' said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa in his video message. Ministers and top agriculture officials from Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tunisia, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe, will share national perspectives on promoting the Four Betters through the OCOP initiative. Producing more food with less inputs, making agriculture climate-resilient, sustainable and profitable for all, is critical for both Africa and Asia and the Pacific, the regions with the world's highest levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Viet Nam's agrifood transformation model The inter-regional knowledge exchange will begin with a briefing on Viet Nam's transformative One Commune One Product programme, a cornerstone of the country's rural economic development strategy, and an inspiration for FAO's OCOP initiative. Launched nationwide in 2018, it has significantly increased rural incomes and jobs by developing sustainable value chains for local specialties and traditional products. The programme provides comprehensive support for capacity building, product development, quality management and market access, to the rural manufacturers of these special products. The OCOP Four Betters Models The agriculture ministers from Africa will also be briefed on how FAO is leveraging science and innovation to accelerate agrifood systems transformation through OCOP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, in support of the Four Betters. Strategic partnerships with leading science and innovation centres in the region are enhancing value chains of special agricultural products (SAPs) identified by member countries under the OCOP initiative. This includes the application of an innovative geographical and environmental traceability tool that will increase access of SAPs to high-end markets and incentivize sustainable production. Nutrition science and technology is also being used for SAPs-based food product development, suited to different age groups and tastes. In addition, OCOP implementation is supporting Asia-Pacific countries with market intelligence to integrate SAPs into national, regional and international markets. Strengthening the FAO-Viet Nam partnership The inter-regional exchange further cements the FAO-Viet Nam partnership, anchored in Viet Nam's active role in the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) framework. This was reaffirmed by the signing of an FAO-Viet Nam Memorandum of Understanding, during the FAO Director-General's visit to Hanoi in February 2025, to promote the sharing of technical knowhow, and institutional and policy experiences under the SSTC framework. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JR Simplot to buy potato-products peer Clarebout Potatoes
US agri-food group JR Simplot has agreed to acquire Belgian potato-processing company Clarebout Potatoes for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which is expected to be finalised by the end of the year, will see 'two market leaders' in the frozen potato products sector join forces, family-owned JR Simplot said in a statement. Clarebout Potatoes, a family-run business based in Nieuwkerke in western Belgium, specialises in producing frozen potato products for private-label customers. With five production sites across Europe, the company employs more than 3,000 people. It has clients in the retail, catering and food-manufacturing sectors. JR Simplot believes the agreement will see the integration of "complementary assets". Combined, the group will have 23 production sites. In the statement announcing the deal, JR Simplot said the acquisition 'provides for the maintenance, and even expansion, of Clarebout Potatoes' assets – staff and production sites – on the European continent'. 'This is an exciting time for Simplot,' Graham Dugdale, the president of JR Simplot's Global Food division, added. 'We are thrilled about the synergy that Clarebout brings to our business, which not only expands our ability to serve the European market but brings together a pair of family-owned companies who align closely in core values and our commitment to customers, employees and the communities where we operate.' Simplot Foods, the group's food division, sells potato products under various brands such as Simplot RoastWorks, Simplot Conquest Fries and Simplot Blue Ribbon Fries. Jan Clarebout, CEO of Clarebout Potatoes, said: 'We could have continued on our own, but the economic reality of the world, and a form of common sense, led us to come together. It is a choice for the future and a sustainable future.' Besides food processing and food brands, JR Simplot operates across various sectors, including phosphate mining and fertiliser manufacturing. The company has operations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, India and China. "JR Simplot to buy potato-products peer Clarebout Potatoes " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
France's Agri-Food Sector Is Worst Hit by Trump Tariffs
France's agri-food industry is the sector hardest hit by the upheaval from Donald Trump's trade tariffs, a survey by the country's central bank showed. Business leaders in agriculture and food processing reported an average 2.6% negative impact on activity from both the direct and indirect effects of levies, including uncertainty, possible retaliation and cheaper Chinese imports.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The 2025 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Awards honour organizations from Colombia, Egypt, and the Philippines for their contributions to agrifood systems transformation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced the winners of the 2025 FAO Awards, recognizing organizations from Colombia, Egypt, and the Philippines, whose work has led to outstanding progress in building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. On Monday, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu presented the Champion Award and Partnership Award during the 44th FAO Ministerial Conference held in Rome. 'These Awards are more than an acknowledgment of achievements - they represent FAO's core values and aspirations. The ceremony is a celebration of possibility and hope of what happens when commitment and innovation meet the urgent call to transform global agrifood systems,' he said. The FAO Champion Award, the Organization's highest corporate award, which carries a prize of USD 50,000 and recognizes significant and outstanding contributions towards advancing FAO's overall goals, was conferred to la Confederación Mesa Nacional de Pesca Artesanal de Colombia (COMENALPAC), for its tangible results across organizational, social, economic and environmental dimensions, including championing social protection measures for fishers and played a key role in drafting laws against illegal fishing, thereby improving the welfare and rights of fishing communities. Since 2017, COMENALPAC has represented over 800 groups of marine and freshwater fishers across Colombia. Its work has contributed to the design and implementation of key legislation, including Law 2268 of 2022, which guarantees social benefits for commercial and subsistence fishers. Through an FAO–COMENALPAC partnership, the organization has strengthened fisher communities in Tumaco by eliminating intermediaries, increasing incomes, and promoting inclusive market opportunities. It has also led to the restoration of 83 wetlands, contributing to aquatic biodiversity and more sustainable food systems. The organization was further praised for helping secure the legal recognition of more than 120,000 fishers and for its role in incorporating the concept of 'Aquatic Agrifood Ecosystems' into Colombia's National Development Plan. In addition, within the same category, a Special Mention was also awarded to Youth Uprising, a Philippine-based non-profit organization recognized for its intense engagement of young people in transforming agrifood systems. The FAO Partnership Award — valued at USD 10,000 and recognizing outstanding cooperation with FAO in advancing the Organization's work by its Members — was presented to The Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), the first Egypt NGO focused on addressing food insecurity, providing support to over 24 million people through comprehensive food assistance, nutrition, and empowerment programs. Among the EFB's most notable initiatives are the Community Nutrition Programme, the Ramadan Food Loss Initiative, and the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA). EFB's programs have benefited over 150,000 families and more than 60,000 schoolchildren. Its work also includes capacity-building for small-scale producers and support to 1,200 farmers — particularly women — promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic inclusion. The FAO Director-General bestowed the awards to representatives of the organizations who attended the ceremony in person. Adriana Rocío Cadena Cancino, Director of la Confederación Mesa Nacional de Pesca Artesanal de Colombia (COMENALPAC), received the Champion Award on behalf of the organization. Mohsen Sarhan Ali Gamal Ali, Chief Executive Officer of The Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), accepted the Partnership Award on behalf of his organization. 'These awardees remind us that transformation is already happening and must accelerate. Let us continue working hand in hand for the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,' Qu added in his closing remarks, with a reference to the FAO Four Betters – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
FAO, Norway conclude agrifood systems transformation project in Jordan
AMMAN — The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of Norway, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan, on Monday held the closing ceremony for the 'impactful' project, "Transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems." Funded by the Norwegian embassy in Jordan, this initiative aimed to enhance food security and create decent work opportunities for vulnerable communities across the Kingdom, according to a FAO statement. The closing ceremony gathered key figures including Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture Mohammed Hayari, who deputised for the minister of agriculture, Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian embassy Anniken Kleven-Gasser, and FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf. The event served as a crucial platform to showcase the project's achievements, gather direct insights from beneficiaries, and collaboratively discuss recommendations for maximising the impact of FAO's future endeavours in Jordan. This project targeted vulnerable Jordanian farmers and Syrian refugees residing in the governorates of Tafileh, Madaba, Irbid and Balqa. Through a comprehensive range of interventions, the initiative directly supported over 1,700 individuals and households, making a substantial contribution to their economic well-being and agricultural resilience. The beneficiaries were 'carefully' selected based on socio-economic criteria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and community-based organisations, ensuring the inclusion of diverse vulnerable groups such as female-headed households, people with disabilities and the elderly. Assaf highlighted the project's 'significant and far-reaching' contributions. He noted that 321 beneficiaries received support through agricultural grant activities, while 275 beneficiaries benefited from training through Farmer Field Schools and Farm Business Schools. The initiative also provided 170 households with composting units, promoting sustainable waste management practices, Assaf said. He added that 204 beneficiaries gained improved access to essential financial services and vital agricultural markets, and the project created 840 temporary jobs, offering crucial income opportunities. In a 'notable' innovation, Assaf said that a fish farming system with a seasonal capacity of 43,000 fish was established, and a comprehensive assessment of food loss was conducted for three key crops, providing valuable data to inform strategies for waste reduction. "This project has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals and families," said Assaf. "By focusing on crucial areas like capacity building, facilitating access to finance, and strengthening market linkages, we've empowered communities to cultivate more sustainable and resilient livelihoods within the broader agrifood system," he said. Klever-Gasser underscored the 'profound' importance of this collaborative effort, saying: 'Norway is proud to have supported this initiative, which has helped strengthen resilience and unlock opportunities for farmers, youth, and women in some of Jordan's most vulnerable communities.' 'We commend FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture for their leadership, and we deeply value the efforts of everyone who contributed to the project's implementation, from technical teams to local partners and beneficiaries. The knowledge and partnerships developed through this collaboration will continue to have an impact,' she added. Hayari also made remarks on the project's success, stressing the importance of cooperating with all relevant authorities to train the workforce, enable farmers to meet market needs, provide infrastructure to support agricultural exports, and enhance monitoring tools for quarantine pests and diseases. The project's core objective was to enhance the ability of Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities in rural areas to 'successfully' participate in effective and sustainable agri-food systems, according to the statement. This was achieved through an integrated programme that included comprehensive training, the distribution of essential tools, improved access to microfinance and markets, and direct job creation. This initiative represents a crucial step towards fostering sustainable food security and creating decent employment opportunities, while advocating for the reduction of food waste, a critical factor for long-term sustainability and comprehensive rural development across Jordan, the statement added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
