BEIJING (TDI): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) report at the One Country One Product (OCOP) regional meeting in China highlights the need for coordinated policies to transform agrifood systems and ensure food security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Twenty-two countries have identified twenty Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) that, while neglected in research and development, are crucial for food security and healthy diets.
These products have potential for integration into high-value markets and value chains.
Jong-Jin Kim, FAO Assistant Director-General for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the role of science and innovation in maximizing the value of these unique products.
“By focusing on SAPs that are culturally significant and ecologically adaptable, we can drive inclusive growth and sustainable agriculture,” he stated.
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The initiative involves strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR-CAS) in China and Mahidol University in Thailand.
Advanced methodologies, including the Geographical Indications, Environment, and Sustainability (GIES) approach, will help trace product origins, monitor environmental impacts, and enhance nutritional value.
The FAO’s OCOP program aims to promote sustainable agrifood systems by improving production, processing, and market access for smallholder farmers and rural communities.
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An International Capacity Building Workshop on GIES for SAP development will be held in Beijing from September 11-21, 2024, and participants will also present their SAP products at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
This effort aligns with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, targeting better production, nutrition, environment, and overall quality of life.
