FAO links up with the oldest agrarian university in Russia

Partnerships continue to expand the visibility and impact of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Russian Federation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAO and Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy marked a major step in achieving synergic effect of promoting FAO agenda in the country through active engagement with its leading academic institutions.

The signing ceremony took place as part of the celebrations of World Food Day on 16 October 2017 in Russia.

The Timiryazev Agricultural Academy is one of the oldest agrarian educational institutions in Russia. Founded on 3 December 1865, it is now under the supervision and patronage of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture.

“This agreement marks an important stage in the development of bilateral relations,” emphasized the Rector of the Academy, Galina Zolina, adding “Such cooperation will help combine our scientific and technical knowledge, and practical experience to successfully implement activities to strengthen the sustainability of agrifood systems. Agriculture remains a key sector in the economy of countries around the world, and measures taken in the agro-industrial complex at the state level help address the issue of ensuring food security for the growing global population.”

With the MoU, FAO and the Timiryazev Academy manifest their strong adherence to the overarching goal of achieving Zero Hunger through sustainable food and agriculture development and management of natural resources. 

The focus of the signed MoU is on capacity development, joint research and studies, data exchange, information sharing and outreach. Both partners are committed to deal with such bread-and butter issues as family farming, soil and water management, climate change, rural development, and agriculture trade.

Specific areas of cooperation were identified conducive to several key regional initiatives. In particular, both parties agreed to join forces on the following initiatives for the Europe and Central Asia region: Empowering Smallholders and Family Farms for improved rural livelihood and poverty reduction; and Improving Agrifood Trade and Market Integration in Europe and Central Asia.
 
The newly formalized partnership will help raise awareness on the Sustainable Development Goals through outreach, symposia, and information dissemination. FAO initiatives on Climate-Smart Agriculture, Blue Growth, and Water Scarcity will be promoted through the communication channels and other capacities of the Timiryazev Academy.