IYP Special Ambassadors

FAO appointed six special ambassadors to reinforce and support the work the Organization is doing as part of the International Year of Pulses (IYP). All are prominent figures in their respective regions and will continue to use their expertise to promote the consumption of pulses, advocating the benefits to human health, soils and food security.

Pulses are a critical source of plant-based proteins but nevertheless are relatively underutilized in many parts of the world. It is for this reason that FAO has sought the assistance of the ambassadors, and is grateful for the work each is doing to endorse the foodstuff. What’s more, the Organization is keen for IYP to be a springboard for the increased consumption of pulses, and for the legacy of the year to be enduring and influential.

The new FAO special ambassadors for the IYP are:

Jenny Chandler, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for Europe

A writer and a teacher, Jenny is a regular contributor to a number of food-related blogs (including her own), the Borough Market Magazine, and she has written three cookbooks.

Jenny believes that “with pulses there is no sacrifice: they are fabulously delicious to eat as well as being great for health and the planet.”

Video Source: FAO

Kadambot Siddique, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for the Asia-Pacific region

Kadambot, a researcher and leading scientist in the field of legumes, currently serves as professor of agriculture and chair and director of the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Western Australia.

His research includes papers on the adaptation of crops to dryland environments and his work is credited with contributing to Australia’s ascent in becoming one the world’s leading pulse exporters.

Video Source: ICRISAT

Magy Habib, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for the Near East and North Africa

As a food stylist, Magy works on the aesthetics of food. She is also the presenter of a cooking program aimed at developing healthy recipes through her knowledge of local and ethnic foods, and former editor of the Food Section of El-Beit Magazine. 

Passionate about pulses, Magy is always searching to revive traditional food.

Video Source: cbc Sofra

Elizabeth Mpofu, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for Africa

Agro-ecological farmer and activist, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to working tirelessly for the betterment of smallholder farmers and the rights of women.

Elizabeth helped establish the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF), and helped found the Eastern Southern Smallholder Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF).

Joyce Boye, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for North America

A leading scientist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Joyce heads a research study on plant protein and food allergies with a particular focus on peas and pulses. In 2001 Joyce won the Research Partnership Prize of Excellence (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada).

Patricia Juárez Arango, FAO special ambassador for the IYP for Latin America and the Caribbean

As an agronomist specialised in plant production, Patricia contributed to the Sustainable Rural Development plans and the Beans and Maize programme in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Her work focuses on a local bean variety: the Thin Black Bean.

This year she participated in the 34th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean as a representative of bean production in the framework of the launch of the IYP. 

Patricia is also active in community work, helping the neediest families in her region and state.