FAO reveals key recommendations for transition to green agriculture

For the transition to green agriculture, it is essential to reduce environmentally harmful budget supports, redirect some budget supports towards environmentally friendly measures, consider the country's agro-climatic conditions, and apply environmental requirements, which will help farmers progress in a green direction, Dmitry Zvyagintsev, representative of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said at the 4th Agribusiness Development Forum held in Baku, Report informs.

"Moreover, it is important to invest in research and development, as we want farmers to learn sustainable land management practices and identify climate-resilient seeds and animal breeds. Last but not least are consumer-oriented measures. It is essential to promote sustainable dietary choices – these choices are made at retail locations and determine which products are produced for farmers and which are not. Additionally, we recommend taking measures against food loss and waste," he noted.

The FAO official also highlighted that agro-systems create great benefits for society, but they also have negative impacts.

"From an environmental perspective, negative impacts are related to water, soil, nitrogen, and climate.

According to FAO calculations, the total annual hidden costs created by food systems amount to approximately $10 trillion. Our region contributes about $3 trillion, and the distribution of costs across categories is similar among countries in the region.

In our region, the highest hidden costs are associated with unhealthy eating habits, followed by environmental costs related to climate, water, soil, and nitrogen. We hope that this information will be useful to you in ministerial discussions on directing budget support and providing support to farmers for the green transition," Zvyagintsev stated.