Agreement among Canada, United States and FAO that the world needs a strong FAO

The Informal North America Regional Conference (INARC) concluded with agreement among the Canadian, American and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) delegations on the necessity for continued collaboration in transforming agrifood systems to increase agricultural productivity and decrease food insecurity globally. Further, there was consensus that climate solutions, innovation and science, and rural transformation through the inclusion and empowerment of women and youth are critical levers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and prosperity. Hosted by the Canadian government, the 8th INARC took place in Ottawa and brought together policymakers from Canada and the United States to meet with an FAO delegation, led by Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, to review the progress that FAO has made against the objectives set during the 7th INARC as well as to elaborate the priorities of FAO for the next biennium. In opening comments, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Stephanie Beck noted that this conference brings together two global leaders in agriculture as well as development and humanitarian aid for an honest dialogue with FAO leadership about the challenges in agrifoods sector around the world. She underscored that building resilience and productivity growth as well as strong trade and supply chains are vital for North America and for global food security. Deputy Minister Beck highlighted the culture of innovation and science common to Canada and the United States, saying that “a strong culture of innovation and science is fundamental to help our farmers increase productivity, strengthen food security, reduce inputs, and adapt to climate change.” USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor emphasized that as the world continues to face conflicts and climate change, we need to use this opportunity to build upon shared approaches to challenges. Under Secretary Taylor pointed to FAO standard-setting bodies as critical to trade and global food security. Taylor also reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to continued investment in gender equality and highlighted that the United States hopes to sponsor 2026 as the UN Year of Women Farmers, which would give the opportunity for FAO, civil society, and governments to work together. She also congratulated the Director-General QU Dongyu and Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol on a successful biennium and a shared legacy of stewardship and accountability. Participating virtually, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu expressed his appreciation for the continued support of Canada and the United States for FAO and its mandate to end hunger and poverty. “Considering the difficult economic conditions globally, it is worth noting that your support to FAO has been historically high over the past two years. To me, this shows that confidence in FAO is being restored, and is an undeniable recognition of our important contribution to global food security,” the Director- General said. He elaborated that “FAO is committed to pursuing new innovative pathways to transform global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.”