FAO’s Post

African food crops have a lot of potential, but it's often overlooked in favour of global commodity foods produced elsewhere. However, there are many traditional local crops that can sustainably provide important nutrients to communities across Africa. To promote these often neglected "orphan foods," the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO to develop a compendium of 100 forgotten foods in Africa. The compendium identifies locally adapted crops, less dependent on resources and less meticulous than exotic cultivars like maize, rice, or wheat. By highlighting these neglected foods, the compendium aims to contribute to sustainable food production and improve nutrition across the continent. https://lnkd.in/ex9XuBWk

The New York Times wrote a story on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), which has been co-sponsored by the African Union, FAO, and U.S. Department of State of State. In May and November 2023, approximately 60 global experts identified an indicative list of 60 crops, nutritious and Indigenous to Africa. These opportunity crops show strong resilience to climate change and make a solid argument for more R&D investment. Working with our VACS partners, we are emphasizing investment in climate-adapted crops and healthy, fertile soils. https://lnkd.in/ghTAkJAu

Yes! traditional autochthonous #foodsystems offer so much to improve #foodsecurity and adapt through #induced_intensification to offer #naturebasedsolutions for #climatechange and other food-related challenges. Check out our recent paper in the journal #FoodPolicy investigating Enset, the giant false banana of #Ethiopia, that indicated improved food security related to mature #Enset stands for three of four common policy-relevant indicators -- potential protecting millions from #hunger. https://lnkd.in/d_RSrkpH Another paper shows, just published in #Ambio , traditional farming systems that include a variety of #trees_on_farms can cut length of #foodinsecurity in half, reducing #biomass_poverty. https://lnkd.in/dAmrtGtC

🌾Boosting Wheat Yields with PRECOGROW: A Solution for Nitrogen Deficiency PRECOGROW, a humic peat-sapropel fertilizer, is making waves in sustainable agriculture by addressing the crucial issue of nitrogen deficiency in wheat. This innovative fertilizer combines the rich organic matter of peat and the nutrient-dense qualities of sapropel, a sediment formed in freshwater bodies. Together, these components provide a potent boost to soil health and crop vitality. One of the standout benefits of PRECOGROW is its ability to enhance nitrogen availability. Nitrogen is essential for wheat growth, influencing everything from leaf development to grain production. However, nitrogen deficiency is a common challenge, often leading to stunted growth and lower yields. PRECOGROW addresses this by improving the soil's nitrogen retention and release capacity, ensuring that wheat plants receive a steady supply of this critical nutrient throughout their growth cycle. The humic substances in PRECOGROW improve soil structure and microbial activity, which in turn enhances nutrient uptake. This is particularly beneficial for wheat, which requires a balanced and continuous supply of nutrients for optimal growth. By increasing the efficiency of nitrogen use, PRECOGROW not only boosts wheat yields but also reduces the need for additional synthetic fertilizers, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming practice. Furthermore, the sapropel component enriches the soil with a wide range of macro and micronutrients, improving overall soil fertility. This holistic improvement in soil health leads to more robust and resilient wheat plants, capable of withstanding environmental stresses and diseases. In summary, PRECOGROW is a game-changer for wheat farmers facing nitrogen deficiency. Its unique formulation not only compensates for nitrogen shortfalls but also enhances overall soil health, leading to higher yields and more sustainable agricultural practices. As the demand for sustainable and efficient farming solutions grows, PRECOGROW stands out as a valuable tool in the quest for better crop management and food security. #agriculturelife #cropnutrition #organicfertilizer #humicacid #organicgardening #sustainableagriculture #healthysoil #soilnutrition

"There’s good reason for the steady dominance of corn and soy across the Midwest: robust market demand, strong insurance protections in case of crop failure and weather disasters, and a historical focus on specialization to maximize output, for starters. This reliance on a small handful of crops is characteristic of our global food system, where just four crops account for more than 50 percent of agricultural production, and just three crops account for 50 percent of our calories. These dominant crops can and do play important roles in our ecosystems and diets, but our overreliance on a narrow set of ingredients is threatening planetary and human health." https://lnkd.in/g54tffRv

The recent release of a new drought-resilient sweet potato variety called Vanuavatu in Fiji highlights the importance of global collaboration for food and nutrition security. Pacific Community-SPC CePaCT sourced the variety from the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru to diversify Pacific crops and boost resilient agriculture. Conserving and distributing #cropdiversity through partnerships with the International Plant Treaty, the Crop Trust, and CGIAR genebanks underpins the global agricultural capacity to innovate, adapt, and thrive.

🌾Boosting Wheat Yields with PRECOGROW: A Solution for Nitrogen Deficiency PRECOGROW, a humic peat-sapropel fertilizer, is making waves in sustainable agriculture by addressing the crucial issue of nitrogen deficiency in wheat. This innovative fertilizer combines the rich organic matter of peat and the nutrient-dense qualities of sapropel, a sediment formed in freshwater bodies. Together, these components provide a potent boost to soil health and crop vitality. One of the standout benefits of PRECOGROW is its ability to enhance nitrogen availability. Nitrogen is essential for wheat growth, influencing everything from leaf development to grain production. However, nitrogen deficiency is a common challenge, often leading to stunted growth and lower yields. PRECOGROW addresses this by improving the soil's nitrogen retention and release capacity, ensuring that wheat plants receive a steady supply of this critical nutrient throughout their growth cycle. The humic substances in PRECOGROW improve soil structure and microbial activity, which in turn enhances nutrient uptake. This is particularly beneficial for wheat, which requires a balanced and continuous supply of nutrients for optimal growth. By increasing the efficiency of nitrogen use, PRECOGROW not only boosts wheat yields but also reduces the need for additional synthetic fertilizers, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly farming practice. Furthermore, the sapropel component enriches the soil with a wide range of macro and micronutrients, improving overall soil fertility. This holistic improvement in soil health leads to more robust and resilient wheat plants, capable of withstanding environmental stresses and diseases. In summary, PRECOGROW is a game-changer for wheat farmers facing nitrogen deficiency. Its unique formulation not only compensates for nitrogen shortfalls but also enhances overall soil health, leading to higher yields and more sustainable agricultural practices. As the demand for sustainable and efficient farming solutions grows, PRECOGROW stands out as a valuable tool in the quest for better crop management and food security. #agriculturelife #cropnutrition #organicfertilizer #humicacid #organicgardening #sustainableagriculture #healthysoil #soilnutrition

Potatoes are remarkably resilient, adaptable to various climates, and rich in essential nutrients. They play a critical role in combating hunger and malnutrition, especially in regions facing food insecurity. Furthermore, potato farming supports the livelihoods of millions of small-scale farmers, contributing to rural development and economic stability. As we acknowledge the profound impact of potatoes, let's also explore innovative ways to maximize their potential. From sustainable farming practices to advancing research and development, potatoes can play a role in building a healthier, more resilient global food system. #Agriculture #FAO #InternationalDayOfPotato #FoodSystems

Rice, the cornerstone of global food security, faces a relentless threat from planthoppers which severely affects its yield. 🌾 To secure rice production against such insects, one solution prominently stands out – Pymetrozine. This selective insecticide is at the forefront of safeguarding one of the world's most vital crops, and at Scimplify, we're contributing to pushing its potential a step further. 📈 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞? 🎯 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Pymetrozine's selective mechanism offers a potent solution against planthoppers, safeguarding rice crops without harming beneficial species. ♻ 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: With its high selectivity and low toxicity to non-target organisms, Pymetrozine aligns with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, promoting healthier ecosystems. 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲'𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 👨🔬 𝐑&𝐃 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Our advanced, in-house R&D capabilities enable us to synthesize Pymetrozine and its intermediates, ensuring high-quality and cost-competitive crop protection solutions. 🔬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞: Pyridine-3-carbaldehyde, a key intermediate to Pymetrozine's potency, is produced through Scimplify’s optimized R&D process, reflecting our commitment to constant innovation. 🚚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲: Understanding the cyclic demands of the agriculture industry, we guarantee a steady supply of Pymetrozine and its intermediates, ensuring farmers have access to this essential insecticide when they need it most. Explore our wide range of agrochemical technicals and intermediates. Link in the first comment! 🔻 . . . #RiceProtection #InnovationInFarming #SustainableAgriculture #AgricultureIndustry #AgricultureTechnology #ScimplifySolutions

Celebrating the International Day of the Potato: A Staple Crop with a Sustainable Future On 30 May 2024, Europatat joined the global celebration of the first International Day of the Potato, designated by the United Nations and FAO under the theme “Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope”. For one week, Europatat ran an online campaign titled “7 Days, 7 Potato Facts” to highlight this significant milestone and promote the vital role of potatoes in enhancing EU agriculture, economy, livelihoods, and nutrition. Potatoes are more than just a staple food; they are a cornerstone for achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include zero hunger, sustainable agriculture, and fostering economic opportunities, as the potato industry provides significant employment and promotes sustainable economic growth along its value chain. The Potato: A Crop of Global Importance The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the world’s fourth most important food crop after maize, wheat, and rice, with global production exceeding 370 million tonnes annually. In the European Union, potatoes play a crucial role in agriculture, being the third most important crop. The EU produces about 52 mill... https://lnkd.in/eZMpx_Rw