Read-out of the FAO Director-General’s meeting with Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The Director-General thanked the Under Secretary for the steadfast support of the United States of America to FAO, and acknowledged the deep roots FAO has in North America – reminiscing about the foundation of FAO. For his part the Under Secretary extended his appreciation to the Director-General for his leadership of FAO, in particular on matters related to science and innovation.
During the meeting, the Director-General and the Under Secretary shared views on the importance of innovation, science, technology, and partnerships (including with the private sector) to catalyze agrifood systems transformation.
They also touched upon the impact the climate crisis is having on agrifood systems, noting that science and innovation have key roles to play in enabling farmers to produce more with less, while at the same increasing efficiency and diversity, reducing emissions and minimizing negative environmental impacts.
The two also touched upon the US Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities initiative and FAO’s Global Action on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) programme, and discussed the importance of the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) in providing accurate information and data globally.
The Director-General and the Under Secretary also considered the important role that investments and enabling policies can play in making agrifood systems more efficient, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
During the meeting they also touched upon other areas for increased collaboration, such as the run-up to COP 27 and COP 28, as well as the Dry Corridor of Central America.