Bilateral meeting with H. E. Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia

Rome - The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, met H. E. Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia at FAO headquarters in Rome on the occasion of the 177th Session of the FAO Council.

The Director-General welcomed Minister Krauze to FAO and recognized his long experience in agriculture, which included farming, bee keeping (apiculture) and a deep involvement with farming organizations before his position as Minister.

Minister Krauze described the nature of farms, forestry and fisheries in Latvia and in particular referred to the extensive forestry coverage, the great biodiversity, the growth potential for aquaculture in the specific conditions in the Baltic Sea, as well as the low winter temperatures across Latvia. The Minister also referred to the OECD Expert Workshop, ‘Forestry for the Future’ to be hosted by Latvia from 26-28 May 2025.

The Director-General thanked Minister Krauze for his support for the work of FAO and stressed that the Organization was Member-owned and therefore their continued support was key to ensure implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, which strives for the transformation of global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable and the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.