FAO and MoA Host National Workshop on Sustainable Production and Responsible Consumption in Palestine

RAMALLAH –  As part of efforts to promote the agrifood sector’s resilience amid the emergency situation in the West Bank, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture recently convened more than 35 experts for a national workshop on sustainable agricultural production and responsible consumption.

The workshop was held in the leadup to a national public awareness campaign that FAO will implement about challenges confronting the agrifood sector. The workshop and campaign are part of the project “Promoting Market-Oriented Investments and Innovations for Sustainable Agrifood System Development” (MAP II), funded by Denmark, the European Union, Switzerland and Spain.

"Building a sustainable food system in Palestine requires strong partnerships and collective will. Together, we work toward a future of greater food security and environmental justice, " stated Dr. Ciro Fiorillo, Head of Office, FAO West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The workshop’s participants included a cross-section of stakeholders in the Palestinian agrifood sector: the Ministry of Agriculture, civil society organizations, agricultural councils, consumer protection bodies and cooperative unions. Participants validated the need for awareness raising around the following key themes, which will serve as the campaign’s pillars:

1. Production:

• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as safe fertilization, agricultural waste management, and environmentally friendly pest control
• Economically empowering youth and women within agricultural production value chains
• Promoting local products and strengthening their presence in the domestic market

2. Consumption:

• Emphasizing the importance of achieving food security by encouraging the consumption of local food
• Reviving traditional dietary practices and promoting responsible consumer awareness

"True empowerment begins with both the farmer and the consumer. Our awareness campaign aims to foster a societal consciousness that translates into sustainable positive behaviours for current and future generations”, added Dr. Azzam Ayasa, Head of Programme, FAO West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Through the MAP II project, FAO implements investment support to small-scale Palestinian agribusinesses, public infrastructure upgrades and policy reforms that promote economic growth, generate employment and build a more resilient and sustainable local food system. MAP II also designs and implements innovations at partner agrifood producers to promote the sector’s sustainable development.