WFP & FAO Explore New Cooperation with Israel

WFP and FAO Explore New Cooperation with Israel On Smart Solutions For Increasing Global Food Production

4 July 2013

JERUSALEM – The Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Ertharin Cousin, following her recent visit to Israel, joins with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in confirming the potential opportunity to transfer technology and innovations in agriculture to countries in the world where families live on the edge of hunger, and their resilience is tested by crisis including drought and floods.

Cousin visited the Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research during her visit to Israel 18-22 June, where she saw pioneering work on dry lands farming and increasing yields even in the most difficult conditions, among other innovations.

“One third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, so we are also interested in exploring the possibility of developing new ways to minimize post-harvest losses,” Cousin said.

This visit strengthened the relationship between WFP and Israel’s Agency for International Development, MASHAV. WFP, together with FAO, is keen to further expand the partnership with MASHAV to leverage Israeli technical expertise that will increase the yields of smallholder farmers. Opportunities have been identified in South Sudan and Rwanda, as well as in neighbouring countries where WFP and FAO work together.

FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva welcomed the opportunity to expand FAO’s partnership with Israel, together with WFP.

“This collaboration could contribute to the ongoing efforts to sustainably improve productivity of small-scale producers,” said Graziano da Silva.

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Last year, WFP reached more than 97 million people in 80 countries with food assistance.

ENDS

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