Bringing together regional experts and institutions, the OCOP session during Asia-Pacific Food Forum showcased how science and innovation can strengthen Special Agricultural Products (SAPs), enhance market access, and support the FAO’s “Four Betters.” The session also featured insights on nutrition, trade, resilience, and emerging technologies, alongside the launch of OCOP Centres of Excellence to further accelerate transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.

The first Asia-Pacific Food Forum (APFF) opened in Brunei Darussalam today, bringing together Ministers, development partners, financial institutions, private sector leaders, scientists, innovators, women farmers and youth to accelerate agrifood systems transformation across the region.

FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative showcased how science and innovation is strengthening value chains of Special Agriculture Products, improving productivity, competitiveness, traceability, and market access.  

In less than a decade, quinoa has gone from an obscure Andean grain to a national priority in Bhutan. With backing from the Royal government and support from FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, farmers have gained the skills to grow this resilient crop and better access markets.

Now cultivation of the “Queen of Grains” is expanding and thriving in Bhutan’s remote mountain villages.