Opening of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) and One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Joint Exhibition of Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) Opening Remarks

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This Joint Exhibition showcases a real, tangible agrifood centre, and it converges the oldest technical committee of FAO – the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP) – with one of the first flagship initiatives I launched at the beginning of my mandate: the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative - where tradition meets innovation.

Today, we celebrate the diversity and functionalityof Special Agricultural Products that are of major importance to:

• the countries where they are cultivated and grown;
• for the sustainability of our agrifood systems;
• for rural development; and
• for the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.

Yet, they are still not fully utilized to their full potential.

Countries have now chosen to showcase these products to highlight their contribution to global trade, food security and support to local economies and livelihoods.

These products are not only commodities - they also embody the knowledge of farmers, the tradition of farming, and the profound connection between people and the land. But these products should also be profitable for farmers.

To explore their potential, these Special Agricultural Products must be integrated into mainstream and high-value domestic, regional and global value chains and markets.

This requires increased and targeted investments.

Dear Colleagues,

The CCP has long been a leader in addressing global market developments and trade-related challenges, including:

• promoting transparency and fairness in international trade and markets - which is crucial for reducing uncertainty;
• guiding policy decisions; and
• fostering an efficient, inclusive and equitable multilateral trading system.

Through the OCOP initiative, we are supporting 85 countries in promoting 54 special products, covering every step of the value chain – from sustainable production, to storage, processing, and marketing.

Linking the OCOP initiative to CCP goes hand in hand!

The core value behind it is complementarity and sharing foods across countries.

Dear colleagues,

We have so much diversity on display. You will see, among others:

• Congo’s cassava, which is a lifeline for millions of people;
• China’s tea, with its rich and deep tradition;
• Georgia’s wine, which embodies centuries of heritage;
• Mexico’s amaranth, which connects us to ancient practices;
• Chile’s honey; and
• Samoa’s cocoa.

The rich diversity we see before us not only boosts local economies, but also preserves cultural traditions, and are essential at various levels:

• First: for local communities;
• Second: for local and global food security; and
• Third: for protecting our planet’s natural resources and biodiversity.

I wish to thank the governments and partners who have championed these efforts.

Your commitment is essential to building more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable global agrifood systems to effectively nourish present and future generations.

Let us ensure that these OCOP products receive the needed support to strengthen their trade.

Thank you.