In the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, aquaculture plays a major role in achieving food security and can deliver many socioeconomic benefits and help to maintain or increase production of aquatic foods while ensuring wild stocks are fished within their maximum sustainable yield. Given the importance of this sector and...

The loss and erosion of biodiversity for food and agriculture in the Europe and Central Asia region pose a substantial and increasing threat to the availability of and access to healthy, nutritious and diverse diets, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised populations. Being a source of variety in essential foods, nutrients,...

Family-run ruminant grazing systems in the Mediterranean and tropical areas contribute directly to eight of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. For a long time, these livestock systems have been on the fringe of agricultural investment efforts. However, they have undeniable assets to meet...

From the steppes of Kyrgyzstan to the vast plains around Mount Kenya, the Agroecology Fund is proud to support pastoralist initiatives demonstrating that agroecology is an approach that can be applied to different food systems. An age-old, traditional way of life for Indigenous communities across the world, pastoralism upholds many...

This resource guide aims to support decision-makers, development practitioners, trainers and civil society organizations representing both farmers and rural women in designing and implementing climate investment projects and programmes in the Europe and Central Asia Region. It features a practical conceptual framework to enhance gender mainstreaming in climate investment programming...

Agriculture is a fundamentally important human activity that intrinsically depends on nature and at the same time poses a threat to it. Agriculture depends on healthy ecosystems and ecosystem services, such as fresh water, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, pest regulation and pollination. Biodiversity forms the foundation of food production: without...

The imperatives to leave no one behind (LNOB) and endeavour to reach the furthest behind first – as pledged by the 193 Member States of the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – are gaining more traction among development practitioners as...

Dairy and meat businesses in Central Asia, especially smaller ones, are being hit by multiple shocks – from the war in Ukraine, to droughts, to the lingering effects of COVID-19. Production costs have skyrocketed, while consumers’ purchasing power has weakened, making it difficult for agribusinesses to stay afloat. One way to help...

In this issue we present our new Board, cover recent political developments (e.g. on the EU Farm to Fork, Organic Regulation, Animal Welfare, GMOs..) and present key upcoming events such as the EU Organic Day, the EU Organic Awards and the European Organic Congress. Read it to discover more!

To raise awareness of the importance of work to strengthen urban agrifood systems in the region of Europe and Central Asia, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a webinar in early June focusing on the challenges and opportunities in urban food agrifood systems faced by...

IIED's climate change newsletter is sent out every two months to keep you updated on our research to shape development policy and practice for climate resilience, equitable global governance and locally led adaptation to climate change.In this edition we invite you to join us for the launch of the Anticipatory...

Exploring Georgia’s gastronomy offers tourists unique insights into the country and its culture.   Enriching tourists’ experiences also has the potential to attract more visitors which can generate vital income in rural communities.   The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are...

The Access to Land Network is releasing a new handbook to provide guidance for officials and staff of local governments on how to make a difference in the way agricultural land is used and shared, for the benefit of people and the planet. Local action is key to a regenerative future....

Food security has different dimensions: availability, access, stability over time, and utilisation2. In the current European context, only accessibility and stability are of concern. Food supply or availability is not at stake in the EU despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, but soaring food prices mean low-income households struggle to...

Legume-supported cropping systems affect environmental, production, and economic impacts. In Europe, legume production is still marginal with grain legumes covering less than 3% of arable land. A transition towards legume-supported systems could contribute to a higher level of protein self-sufficiency and lower environmental impacts of agriculture. Suitable approaches for designing...

Digital innovation and technology can transform agrifood systems into environmentally and economically sustainable systems that will promote better production and enhance more equitable rural livelihoods with increased opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable groups.  The challenge is how to move ahead with a digitalization programme that is effective and efficient,...

Organic mixed livestock farming offers a range of potential benefits for the environment. Due to the diversification of enterprises, this farming system can be associated with a high workload, which means that it could be socially unsustainable. The aim of this study was to understand and explain work satisfaction of farmers...

Organic farming delivers multiple benefits for the climate and biodiversity, including increased carbon sequestration in soils, lower energy input, 30% more on-farm biodiversity and increased resilience of the farming system. These are highlighted in a document on the benefits of organic farming published by IFOAM Organics Europe. Transforming how we...

Biodiversity protection and well-functioning ecosystems are essential for food production. But the Commission’s proposal on a nature restoration law has faced unjustified opposition when it comes to setting restoration targets for agricultural ecosystems. The organic movement calls on MEPs to support ambitious nature restoration on agriculture land as well preserved...

In December 2022, there are officially nearly 400 all over France and they cover 2/3 of French population. Mostly led by territorial authorities (municipalities, inter-municipalities, Départements, Parcs Naturels Régionaux, etc.), they have to include a series of key issues and actions (food justice, food education, food waste, territorial anchoring of...