Special agricultural products to aid sustainability

By prioritizing the development of unique and high-quality agricultural products, countries are not only enhancing their competitiveness in the global market but also contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the promotion of a more resilient and sustainable food system, said experts at the First Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Technical Workshop on the Implementation of One Country One Priority Product Initiative for Demonstration Countries.

Held from Monday to Wednesday in Sanya, Hainan province, the workshop served as a platform for discussions and exchanges focused on promoting green development of special agricultural products through the use of technology. Representatives from 16 countries delved into strategies to boost the production and marketing of their distinctive products, fostering partnerships to advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Xia Jingyuan, executive secretary of the One Country One Priority Product Secretariat and special advisor to the director-general at the FAO, highlighted the workshop's role in raising awareness about one country one priority product, fostering dialogue on shared experiences, and establishing networks for cooperation. He emphasized the growing interest in the initiative since its launch in September 2021. He said that with members from all five FAO regions expressing preliminary interest, there is a clear momentum building toward promoting sustainable agriculture practices through the development of special agricultural products.

Xia added that as of April 30, 85 countries have expressed willingness to promote the green development of 54 unique agricultural products. Among them, tropical countries and tropical agricultural products account for over 60 percent.

Ian Mohammed, director of the research division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, emphasized that the initiative has played a crucial role in boosting cocoa production and expanding its export market. This has been achieved through the introduction of up-to-date planting techniques, which have helped to improve the quality and quantity of cocoa crops in the region, he added.

Amgad El Kady, executive director of the Food and Agro Industries Technology Center of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Egypt, expressed his admiration for the modern agricultural model and autonomous production he witnessed in Hainan. He highlighted his keen interest in fostering partnerships for tropical agriculture development, drawing inspiration from the innovative and sustainable practices he observed in the tropical island province.

Li Peng, chief agronomist of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan province, emphasized the alignment of Hainan's vision with the initiative in the realm of tropical agriculture development. He noted the province's commitment to promoting green and high-quality brands like Sanya mangoes, wax apples and melons as prime examples of its focus on identifying and selecting special agricultural products. He also pointed out the significant reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides over the years, showcasing Hainan's unwavering dedication to advancing a green and low-carbon transformation within the agriculture sector.

Liu Kun, director of the international cooperation office of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, highlighted the academy's commitment to offering extensive technical support for the implementation of the initiative. He emphasized the academy's dedication to collaborating on research projects addressing cutting-edge issues related to special agricultural products such as cassava, bananas, cocoa, dates, jackfruit and coffee.

Zhou Hongbo, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and secretary of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee, stressed the critical challenges facing global food security and agricultural production. He highlighted the urgent need to shift agricultural production toward a greener, more inclusive, resilient and sustainable direction.

"We are committed to enhancing communication and exchanges with countries worldwide, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation and elevating collaboration in the special agricultural products sector to new heights," Zhou said.