FAO Smart Farming Initiative global workshop

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The FAO Smart Farming Initiative, launched in 2019 with generous funding by the Republic of Korea, aims to create a replicable model for transforming smallholder horticultural systems. It responds to the growing demand for fruits and vegetables – key to healthy, diversified diets – while addressing challenges such as limited natural resources, particularly arable land and water, climate variability, inefficient practices and poor market access. By combining protected cultivation, digital tools, good agricultural practices , proximity-based technical support and market-oriented strategies, the Initiative empowers smallholders to turn horticulture into a viable, high-value enterprise. 

After five years of impactful implementation, the Initiative will wind down this year in Uzbekistan and Viet Nam. Concurrently, the Initiative is being scaled up in urban areas of Honduras and peri-urban and rural areas in Zambia and Colombia. The time is therefore opportune to share the lessons that are being learned. 

Building on the significant momentum for transforming cropping systems generated through this Initiative, a global workshop is being organized at FAO headquarters on 17 November 2025 to take stock of progress made and collectively chart the course forward. The one-day event comprises a high-level dialogue followed by a technical workshop.

Additionally, the convening will also aim to build political support, foster strategic partnerships, and promote alignment around the Smart Farming vision as a pathway to achieving FAO’s four betters and scaling up impact. 

 

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