Science-based solutions for sustainable production

FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, the recently adopted Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation, sustainable agricultural production methods, reduced pesticide use, improved soil health and the potential for carbon sequestration - these were some of the topics that were discussed at meetings between FAO Chief Scientist Ismahane Elouafi and officials from five EU Directorates-General during her recent visit to Brussels.

Accompanied by Beth Crawford, Director of the FAO Office of Strategy, Programme and Budget and Acting Director Office of Innovation and Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels, the Chief Scientist stressed the importance of local production and the use of local species as part of strategies to increase productivity in a sustainable way.

At the DG International Partnerships, the FAO delegation was received by Deputy Director-General Marjetta Jager and her team. Talks centred on issues such as low yields in Africa and Asia and ways to tackle this challenge, including use of sustainable fertilizers.

Deforestation-free production and its traceability, the true cost of food as well as soil health were discussed at a meeting with Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director-General of the Directorate-General Environment and her colleagues.

Key themes at the talks with Claire Bury, Deputy Director General Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety and her team included the two recently adopted FAO strategies, their role within the efforts to transform agrifood systems and the long-awaited proposal for the first binding law to reduce pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030.

The EU Soil Partnership, gene editing, carbon sequestration and the work programme on agroecology of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) were the main points on the agenda at the meeting with the Directorate-General JRC, led by Alan Belward, Acting Director and Head of Unit for Food Security.

With the Directorate-General Research and Innovation, discussions revolved around preparations for several initiatives that will benefit from the strong cooperation between the EU and FAO.

The exchange organized at FAO Liaison Office premises with Head of Unit Peter Wehrheim and his team included, among others, the European Research Innovation Days, the FAO Science & Innovation Forum to be held on 17–21 October 2022, and the International Bioeconomy Forum.

All encounters resonated the strong convergence of vision between the European Commission and FAO on matters related to the transformation of agrifood systems in order to achieve food security and ensure healthy diets for all.