Ministry of Agriculture and FAO Discuss Key Areas of Cooperation
On March 6, 2025, a roundtable discussion was held in Astana to explore promising projects under the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It brought together government officials, parliamentarians, industry associations, agribusiness representatives, and international experts. Among the distinguished participants were Viorel Gutu, FAO Deputy Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, and the Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan.
Discussions focused on priority projects aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening veterinary and livestock services, transitioning to higher-value crops, implementing digital technologies in agriculture, improving storage and processing of agricultural raw materials, promoting sustainable land and forest management, adapting to climate change, introducing water-saving technologies, supporting rural development and improving livelihoods
Kazakhstan has been actively cooperating with FAO since ratifying the Host Country Agreement in July 2018. A key element of this agreement is the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP), financed by the Ministry of Agriculture with an annual commitment of at least USD 2 million for 10 years to support sustainable agricultural development and food security.
In October 2024, the Ministry allocated USD 1.93 million to FAO’s Trust Fund, marking the official launch of the partnership programme. The 2025-2027 Republican Budget Law also includes provisions for annual contributions to FKPP, further reinforcing Kazakhstan’s long-term commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
During the first FKPP Steering Committee meeting in 2024, two strategically significant projects were approved: Kazakhstan National Initiative on Seeds and Varieties (USD 2.6 million) and Technologies for the Conservation and Efficient Use of Degraded Lands (USD 2.5 million)
These initiatives were further endorsed by the President of Kazakhstan following his official visit to FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. FAO has already begun preparations for the plant breeding and seed production project, which will be presented at the next FKPP Steering Committee meeting.
Kazakhstan ranks 32nd out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index, exporting agricultural products to 80 countries worldwide. In 2024, due to government support measures, the gross agricultural output increased by 13.7%.
FAO Assistant Director-General Viorel Gutu highlighted Kazakhstan’s strong potential in the agro-industrial sector and stressed the importance of expanding cooperation to achieve sustainable rural development. “Kazakhstan is actively integrating innovative agricultural technologies, enhancing access to financing and investment. The FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme focuses on improving food security, digitizing agribusiness, promoting sustainable resource management, and expanding export potential. These efforts will drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life in rural communities,” said Viorel Gutu.
FAO continues to provide technical and strategic support to Kazakhstan in shaping its long-term agricultural policies. This includes contributions to the Concept of Agribusiness Development until 2030 and the National Agribusiness Development Project (2021-2025).
Since 2024, the FKPP has been funding key initiatives in seed production and land rehabilitation, while FAO is currently overseeing 55 technical assistance projects across Kazakhstan.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to actively participating in FAO initiatives, particularly in the digitalization of the agro-industrial complex, soil fertility improvement, rational water resource management, and the adoption of innovative technologies. We are also keen to develop and implement an integrated automated information and geoinformation system using artificial intelligence,” stated Ermek Kenzhekhanuly, Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
FAO remains dedicated to fostering open dialogue, providing expert guidance, and delivering technical support to facilitate the sustainable development of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector. Through continued collaboration, Kazakhstan and FAO are working towards a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for agriculture and food security in the region.
