CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE for sustainable production intensification

On 24 April 2013 at the 146th FAO Council, FAO member Countries endorsed the request from the Kingdom of Thailand in the framework of the Global Soil Partnership for the proclamation of the International Year of Soils 2015. The Year will serve as a platform for raising awareness on the importance of sustainable soil management as the basis for food systems, fuel and fibre production, essential ecosystem functions and better adaptation to climate change for present and future generations.

Soil scientists from universities, research institutes, international organizations, governments, and the private sector gathered at FAO Headquarters to help shape the Global Soil Partnership. While in Rome, they also spoke to us about what they would like the Global Soil Partnership to achieve an the main challenges to sustainable soil management that they are facing in their countries and regions. This series of interviews provides an overview of soil management concerns around the globe.

In 2013, the Commission on genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture celebrates thirty years. Reflecting over its role and its achievements, the Commission asked several partners and key stakeholders to share their views about the achievements and future priorities of the Commission. Learn more about the Commission, its role in the past and future and enjoy simple explanations of what genetic resources for food and agriculture are.

This report reflects the conclusions of the Workshop and the analysis undertaken by FAO and Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research over the past year. This Workshop, held at FAO in April 2010, explored the different challenges that confronted agriculture and the options that existed or could be developed that would be needed to meet the challenges of feeding the world, coping with climate change and improving impact of agriculture on the environment.