This publication contributes to ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing post-harvest loss (PHL) through capacity development and knowledge sharing. It aims to enhance understanding of the gaps in post-harvest management and how to address them. The publication highlights the importance of reducing post-harvest losses (PHL) in developing countries by integrating gender perspectives, providing support to agribusiness and entrepreneurship, and promoting climate change adaptation.

An assessment of seven innovation case studies in Pakistan in 2022 found that agriculture innovation systems show limited collaboration and networking, and a supply-driven rather than market driven approach to innovation. This limits the potential for scaling innovations such as the ‘Super Seeder’, a machine that sows wheat directly in the rice stubble, replacing the common practice of burning it.The study was conducted in September and October 2022 as part of the global TAP-AIS project coordinated by FAO’s Office of Innovation and funded by the European Union’s DeSIRA initiative.

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.

Systemic solutions based on science and innovations are critical for advancing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This is relevant in the context of promoting sustainable supply and use of forest ecosystem services through innovations; FAO promotes all key innovations (e.g. technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial). It is crucial for advancing a sustainable bioeconomy.

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).

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.

The subprogramme aimed to strengthen agrifood systems in East and Southern Africa, focusing on enhancing resilience, sustainability and inclusivity. Designed in response to the challenges facing agrifood systems in the region, including economic, social, environmental and health pressures, the subprogramme sought to address these issues through improved policymaking, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for resilient agrifood systems, reinforcing the importance of this initiative.

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.