Prospects for cereal production in Europe and Central Asia are generally positive, but a reduction is expected in regional wheat production, according to a regional FAO policy brief on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some food prices in the countries

A new initiative has started in Kyrgyzstan by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Industry and Melioration, that contributes to the spread of climate change adaptation processes in agriculture and food systems by improving the resilience of seed sys

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan will continue to collaborate in the second phase of a reg

The forests of the Caucasus and Central Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) rarely make international headlines and are often overlooked in global debates on forest preservation and sustain

Agricultural research is central to unlocking the potential of agricultural innovation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is essential for increasing productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural growth, as well as alleviating pover

As a country with a significant agricultural sector dominated by smallholders, Albania has a strong interest in understanding their situation. A new FAO study on Albanian smallholders is a crucial step towards evidence-based decision-making for the benefi

To ensure preparedness, early detection, and response against the incursion of any transboundary animal disease, it is paramount to train the first responders – the veterinarians, and as many as possible. With this in mind, FAO offers an electronic traini

Vulnerable groups have been hit hard by the current COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences, affecting people’s health, food security and nutrition, income, and employment status – particularly rural households, informal workers, smallholders, and

The Green Climate Fund (GCF), the main global fund financing actions to fight climate change, approved its second project for North Macedonia under the readiness and preparatory support programme to help the country become more prepared for the impacts of

Beekeeping is a prominent activity not only as an important source of income but also for the bees’ key role to preserve biodiversity and the natural balance of ecosystems. To this end, FAO provided 400 beehives and equipment to beekeepers in the villages

Adnan Quereshi has been appointed as FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan, effective from 1 July. The British national will switch to the Central Asian country from the Organization’s Rome headquarters, where he served as senior programme officer since 2018.

A new FAO project catalyzing the efficiency and sustainability of Azerbaijan’s hazelnut sector "HAZER" was virtually launched in June, under the FAO-Azerbaijan Partnership Programme. Azerbaijan is among the world’s top five hazelnut producer countries, p

In two neighbouring countries, water sharing leads to modern technologies, cross-border cooperation, and increased women involvement.

Food systems in Europe and Central Asia are under pressure by COVID-19. Food outlets and people’s mobility have been temporarily suspended, trade has been disrupted, unemployment is on the rise. Their impacts are yet to be quantified, notably in relation

The fisheries and aquaculture sector have significantly expanded in the past decades, with global fish production estimated to have reached about 179 million tonnes in 2018, along with increasing trade and consumption. Not only has the sector been key in

Geographical Indications help celebrate countries’ rich food heritage

How supporting local agri-entrepreneurs has enhanced migrants’ resilience to the COVID-19 crisis

Women in Georgia’s rural areas learn good practices from FAO and the EU for better farming

Across the globe, the pandemic revealed the extreme vulnerability of the agricultural sector. It has left governments confronted with multiple challenges to protect human lives, and livelihoods, as well as ensuring sufficient food supplies and basic servi

COVID-19 has affected the way our food is supplied, traded, and purchased, which gives rise to new or different risks that need to be considered to ensure our food is safe at all times. Mary Kenny is FAO’s food safety and consumer protection officer for