Report highlights shared knowledge and strategies for the sustainable development of special agricultural products under OCOP Initiative

More than 120 participants from 16 demonstration countries as well as China came together to share knowledge and sustainable development strategies for special agricultural products during a One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) workshop now highlighted in a new report. 

The publication Report of the First FAO Technical Workshop on the Implementation of One Country One Priority Product Initiative for Demonstration Countries is drawn from the technical workshop for demonstration countries held in Sanya, Hainan Province, China from 15 to 18 July 2024. There, participants heard from keynote speakers from China's leading research institutes offering valuable insights into advancements in special agricultural products’ production, processing, storage and marketing. 

The event also raised awareness of the OCOP initiative among regional and national focal points, senior government officials, and other stakeholders. The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), in collaboration with the National Nanfan Research Institute (NNRI) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), played a central role in hosting and supporting the event. 

The designation of demonstration countries has been instrumental in showcasing good practices and scalable models to facilitate the implementation of OCOP initiative in other countries and regions.  

The OCOP initiative is a flagship programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aimed at promoting the sustainable development of special agricultural products (SAPs) for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.  

Since its global launch by the FAO Director-General in 2021, the OCOP initiative has gained momentum. As of July 2025, 95 members have joined this global effort, collectively promoting 56 SAPs, and supported by growing financial and technical collaboration.