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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most complex threats to human and animal health, food safety and food security. It is driven primarily by the increasing overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, both for humans and animals. As the global demand for food continues to rise, the use and misuse of antimicrobials is expected to also increase. [1] 

In order tobolster its efforts to manage AMR in the food and agriculture sectors, FAOhas launched a new 10-year initiative calledReduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM). [2] This initiative is an action-oriented, country-focused and country-led initiative, which supports the global agrifood systems transformation agenda. [3] 

The role of legislation in the RENOFARM Initiative 

The RENOFARM initiative focusses on providing farm-level support in five areas, known as the 5Gs: (1) Good Health Services; (2) Good Production Practices; (3) Good Alternatives; (4) Good Incentives; and (5) Good Connection. For each of these, legislation can play an important role increating aconducive environment for the achievement of the 5Gs at the farm level, as outlined below. [4] 

1. Good Health Services: Access to robust veterinary services including disease treatment, prevention via vaccinations, and enforcement of sanitary measures are all essential elements of the fight against AMR through reducing the need for their use. A well-structured veterinary system will be underpinned by clear legislation that considers AMR, andenables authorities to effectively coordinate and manage animal health, especially in cases of disease outbreak. Regulations are needed to ensure the quality of veterinary professionals and of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) and their lifecycle can be managed in terms of authorised uses and disposal. Legislation is also needed to require or promote theresponsible use of VMPs through authorization and continuous pharmacovigilance. 
2. Good Production Practices: The implementation of good agricultural and husbandry practices is vital in reducing the dependency on antimicrobials. Effective biosecurity measures, optimal hygiene, and responsible waste management practices can substantially decrease disease prevalence. The legislative requirement for farms to adhere to stringent production protocols ensures that these practices are uniformly applied, fostering environments that naturally limit the incidence of disease. 
3. Good Alternatives: Research and uptake of alternatives to antimicrobials plays a key role in reducing the need for antimicrobials. This includes the adoption of vaccines, improved biosecurity measures and the use of alternative feeds and feed additives such as probiotics, which can enhance animal health without contributing to the development of AMR. Integrated pest management (IPM) and biological control methods also present viable alternatives that,if adopted, will reduce the reliance on chemical interventions. A regulatory environment that enables and encourages the development, registration, adoption and useof such alternatives is key. 
4. Good Incentives: Regulatory frameworks are needed to establish incentives for compliance and mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement to ensure adherence to veterinary and animal production standards. By implementing surveillance systems, regular inspections, and positive incentives for compliance and/or penalties for non-compliance, regulations can incentivize optimal use of antimicrobials. 
5. Good Connection: Regulations provides the basis for coordination and connectivity among farmers, veterinary services, and regulatory bodies by establishing structured information sharing and reporting systems. This is crucial for effective disease surveillance, emergency response, and coordinated management of animal health, enablingtimely and informed decision-making based on comprehensive and accurate data. 

RENOFARM membership and participation 

RENOFARM is a global initiative that invites all stakeholders to contribute within their means and interests to the RENOFARM shared goals. Relevant stakeholders can apply for RENOFARM membership through the following form: 

RENOFARM Membership application form 

Maarten van der Heijden (FAO) 

References

[1] See previous article on “The power of legislation in influencing behaviour: the case of AMR” by Valeria Pasarín Linares (FAO) (available at: https://www.fao.org/legal-services/resources/detail/en/c/1656404/). 

[2] For the news article on the launch of RENOFARM, see https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/fao-launches-global-10-year-initiative-to-reduce-the-need-for-antimicrobials-for-sustainable-agrifood-systems-transformation/en  

[3] See https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/background/fao-role/renofarm/en/  

[4] For more on the link between AMR and legislation in general, see https://www.fao.org/antimicrobial-resistance/key-sectors/legislation/en/