First Regional Organizing Group (ROG) Meeting for the Implementation of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative in Asia and the Pacific

 

The FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31, endorsed by the 42^nd Session of FAO Conference in June 2021 focuses on supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO developed the Global Action Plan on Green Development of the Special Agricultural Products (SAPs): “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) based on the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31. OCOP aims to promote inclusive, profitable and environmentally sustainable food systems through the green development of SAPs, through: (i) increasing productivity and ensuring healthy diets; (ii) reducing food loss and waste and protecting biodiversity; (iii) saving water and optimizing land use; (iv) minimizing agricultural chemical inputs; and (v) mitigating and adapting to climate change. Within this framework, the sustainable value chain of SAPs can play an essential role in ensuring food security and nutrition, more effective use of unutilized resources, supporting farmers’ livelihoods and economic growth, and protecting the environment and biodiversity for current and future generations.

All FAO Members attended the Regional Launch Event of the OCOP Initiative in Asia and the Pacific held on 10 May 2022 from the region, including senior government officials, technical experts, development partners, research institutes, civil society and private sector. Following the request from Ministers at the Regional Launch of the OCOP Initiative in Asia and the Pacific, in October 2022, FAO has developed and launched the Regional Knowledge Platform in Asia-Pacific region (FAO Regional Knowledge Platform on OCOP in Asia and the Pacific) to promote knowledge sharing and best practices on SAs development promoting agrifood system transformation. OCOP has gained strong momentum in Asia since then. As of now, 22 countries have joined the OCOP initiative and governments have nominated 20 different SAPs.

To ensure a successful and impactful implementation of the OCOP at the global level, the OCOP Steering Committee was established at FAO headquarters, which is chaired by FAO Director-General. Following that, the OCOP Regional Organizing Group (ROG) for Asia and the Pacific is now being established to organize and coordinate the implementation of the OCOP initiative within the region and support the Steering Committee. At the country level, a National Task Force (NTF) for each participating Member will be formed to carry out the implementation activities in the country and to support the ROG.

The key objectives of the first meeting of the OCOP ROG for Asia and the Pacific are:

• Provide an update of the status on the implementation of the OCOP initiative globally and in Regional Office for the Asia and Pacific (RAP) region, including countries’ expression of interest and project implementation at country level.
• Discuss and endorse the ToRs of the OCOP ROG for Asia and the Pacific.
• Discuss ROG’s role to support the implementation of the OCOP initiative within the region and support the Steering Committee.