News archive 2013

Latest indications point to strong growth in world cereal production in 2013. Assuming more normal weather conditions than in 2012, global wheat production in 2013 is expected to reach 695 million tonnes, 5.4 percent up from last year's harvest and just some 6 million tonnes short of the 2011 record level. Meanwhile FAO's Food Price Index rose one percent, or two points, in April.

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva has acknowledged Cuba’s efforts to ensure the food security of its population during a meeting with President Raul Castro. He invited the President to attend a ceremony marking the country's achievement to be held on the occasion of the next meeting of FAO's governing Conference in June 2013.

In a major breakthrough, researchers at the University of Arizona have identified the causative agent behind a mysterious disease that has been decimating shrimp farms in Asia. Shrimp Early Mortality Syndrome has over the past two years caused large-scale die-offs of cultivated shrimp in Asia, where 1 million people depend on shrimp aquaculture for their livelihoods. FAO is engaging with a broad coalition of partners to organize a concerted, interregional effort to address the disease.

Mexico's National Crusade Against Hunger can mark a historical turning point for the country, says FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed during his two-day visit, FAO and Mexico will join forces in support of the initiative.

FAO's governing Council has approved two new Strategies aimed at strengthening FAO's partnerships with civil society organizations on the one hand and the private sector on the other. The Strategies provide a framework for FAO's work with private and civil society partners in pursuit of the Organization's Strategic Objectives and the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.

"There is an enormous window of opportunity," for eradicating hunger in the Africa, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva says. The key lies in capitalizing on the successes of the many African countries who have already found solutions for food insecurity and malnutrition.

FAO Director-General has praised Brazil's "strong commitment and support" to ending hunger at a bilateral meeting with Minister Gilberto Carvalho, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Brazilian Republic. The meeting was held during FAO's governing Council session.

FAO recognizes Nicaragua's great efforts in the fight against hunger, FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva has told Nicaragua's Foreign Minister Samuel Santos López. They held a bilateral meeting at FAO headquarters during FAO's governing Council session taking place this week.

The first Global Plan for Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Forest Genetic Resources was adopted last week by FAO's Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Commission has asked FAO to ensure mobilization of adequate financial resources for its implementation, particularly in support of developing countries.

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva today opened the FAO Council, presenting the 2014-2015 Programme of Work and Budget, which calls for an increase of 1 percent in the Organization’s budget in real terms to support core work in fighting hunger and malnutrition and promoting sustainable agricultural development.