In Rome, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has kicked off a global workshop to launch its One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) program under the FAO-China South-South cooperation initiative.
Launched in September 2021, OCOP aims to build sustainable food value chains by enhancing access to healthy diets, improving farmer livelihoods and driving economic growth. To date, 95 FAO members are part of the framework, supporting the development of 56 distinct agricultural products.
“A crucial aspect of South-South cooperation is disseminating China’s effective technologies and experiences internationally,” said Xia Jingyuan, executive secretary of the FAO OCOP Secretariat. “Through this initiative, we can showcase advanced agricultural practices and make a real impact on global food security and nutrition.”
The Rome workshop marks the formal launch of OCOP pilot projects in 15 countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt and Uzbekistan. Each country will focus on a signature product to unlock local potential through tailored support.
An official from Lesotho’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition highlighted early wins: potato yields have jumped thanks to financial backing and technology transfers from China. “Potatoes are a cornerstone of our rural economy, and this support is helping us grow efficiently and sustainably,” the official explained.
By tapping into China’s green agriculture philosophy and proven poverty alleviation models, OCOP is carving a path toward resilient, inclusive food systems. As pilot programs unfold, the world will watch closely to see how shared expertise can transform local landscapes and livelihoods.
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China's agricultural expertise bolsters developing nations' crops
cgtn.com
