Rural producers operate in a very complex reality. They are faced with serious and interconnected challenges such as globalized and unstable markets, volatile prices, a degrading natural resource base and the effects of climate change. In addition, especially in developing countries, access to markets represent a serious problem due to, among other factors, poor infrastructure, difficult-to-comply quality standards and requirements (such as certifications and food safety standards).

Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs. Every year, more than 100 000 fishers die at work, according to estimates. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is enabling fishers to be safer while at sea in various ways, including with technically innovative boat designs and training initiatives.  FAO has developed a collection of fishing vessel plans called the FAO Fishing Vessel Design Database. One of its aims is to increase safety at sea through improving vessel design, construction, seaworthiness, and safety.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) recognise the important role youth, startups, innovation and digital technologies play in modernising agriculture and creating employment in the agriculture and rural development sector. As a result, FAO and ZJU collaborating to foster an innovation and entrepreneurship environment for increased use of technologies and adoption of innovation.

This policy brief summarizes the background, evidence and insights from the innovative governance modelling and analysis work developed in Indonesia under the "Governance Innovation for Sustainable Development of Food Systems” subprogramme. In addition, the brief offers guiding points and recommendations to support Indonesia's agrifood systems transformation efforts.The FVC subprogramme was carried out between 2020 and 2023 with funds from FAO's Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC).

Innovation along the value chain is essential for maximizing the potential of fisheries and aquaculture to enhance food security, drive economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.  At the processing stage, innovations can help preserve quality while adding value by making products more convenient for consumers, reducing post-harvest losses, or utilizing otherwise discarded by-products.

This brief presents the background and results of the TAP-AIS project in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, implemented from August 2020 to December 2022. At the country level, the TAP-AIS project worked to strengthen capacities to innovate and the innovation policy environment.

Despite high temperatures and limited water resources, arid regions show promise for aquaculture. New innovative technologies like aquaponics and closed recirculation systems now enable fish farming in these challenging environments. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is at the forefront of supporting countries in the Near East and North Africa to harness these technologies, providing technical assistance, environmental and socio-economic assessments, and institutional capacity building.

In response to a growing demand for high quality and internationally comparable statistics, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) develops, implements and promotes methods and standards to guide data producers, both at the country level and inside the Organization, in generating and using sound statistics. This flyer gives a snapshot of FAO’s work and activities in this domain.

Effective fisheries management, which is crucial for maintaining healthy fish stocks, relies on decisions about species selection, fishing locations, seasons, and catch limits. These decisions must balance social and economic benefits with the preservation of marine ecosystems. Reliable, up-to-date data is essential for making informed choices, but obstacles such as a lack of data standardization, underreporting, and data gaps often hinder this process.

Packaging plays an important role in keeping food fresh and safe but generates waste in the form of plastic and other materials. A circular approach to food packaging can reduce packaging waste that is harmful to the environment. There are important food safety considerations for producers and consumers to be aware of, to ensure circular food packaging solutions are safe.This brief provides an overview of the food safety considerations in implementing circular food packaging solutions in the transformation to a circular agrifood system.