FAO held online-briefing on World Food Day

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine, State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Ukrainian Association of Business and Trade, AGROPORT Ukraine held an online briefing dedicated to World Food Day and celebration of 75th anniversary of FAO.

World Food Day 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at a time when countries around the world are struggling with the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 75 years since the founding of FAO, the world has made significant progress in combating poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Agricultural productivity and food systems have come a long way. However, many people still remain vulnerable - more than 2 billion people do not have regular access to safe and nutritious food.

"Food security is an element of national security so that all people at all times have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that suits their preferences," said Mikhail Malkov, FAO Ukraine Government and Donor Liaison Office.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the food sector, threatening to undermine important advances in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. The government, private business and every citizen face new challenges. The pandemic reminded everyone that food security and nutrition are important for all, and at the same time provided an opportunity to innovatively transform agri-food systems.

"Ukraine has done its utmost not to stop food supplies during the most difficult time of COVID-19 pandemic, it has remained a reliable partner in providing other countries with food, and will always be such a partner in the future." said Taras Vysotsky, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine.

According to Mr. Vysotsky, Ukraine is not yet fully using its potential to provide people with food. Today, the country feeds 150 million people, but this figure can be doubled, and even more - up to a maximum of 500 million people. "This requires the integration of world technologies in management and production, attracting investment, integration of production results into international supply chains," Taras Vysotsky added. "In addition to increasing production, it must have a minimal negative impact on the environment, and product quality must remain high."

"We all need food. It is hoped that the implementation of all safety principles, from the field to the fork, has strengthened both in the domestic market and in the supply of products to foreign markets,” said Vladнslava Rutytska-Magaletskaya, the newly appointed head of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. "We are very grateful to FAO for implementing important projects that contribute to Ukraine being a key player in the international market in terms of meeting all food safety and quality requirements, world trade requirements, new markets and its expansion."

You can watch the full recording of the briefing through the following link: https://youtu.be/KGc43XbATqc   or on the United Nations in Ukraine Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedNationsUkraine/videos/351175249532030.