WEBINAR: Keeping smallholders and family farms viable through the COVID-19 pandemic

Food systems in Europe and Central Asia are under pressure by COVID-19. Food outlets and people’s mobility have been temporarily suspended, trade has been disrupted, unemployment is on the rise. Their impacts are yet to be quantified, notably in relation to smallholder agriculture that plays a pivotal role in the region. The webinar focuses on the numerous needs and constraints of smallholders and family farms in the region, highlighting the specific challenges that are further evolving due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through this webinar, FAO is providing a platform for sharing analyses and information. A panel of invited guests will review the most salient characteristics of smallholder agriculture, the policy dimensions of family farming, and an overview of how food supply chains in the region have evolved since early April (based on the results of FAO’s rapid survey of key informants). The webinar seeks to highlight opportunities that may arise for smallholder farmers to strengthen food systems, as countries learn to cope with the pandemic.

Join the discussion on Wednesday, 24 June 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. CET

Please register to follow the virtual event through the Zoom conferencing platform, simultaneous interpretation in Russian is provided. The webcast will be streamed live on YouTube in English.

Opening remarks:
Raimund Jehle, FAO Regional Programme Leader

Speakers:

• Pedro Arias, FAO Economist
• Ramona Duminicioiu, European Coordination Via Campesina (Europe), Asociatia Eco Ruralis (Romania)
• Tatiana Nistorica, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Moldova
• Jannes Maes, President of the European Council of Young Farmers
• Adora Leka, AGS Agroal & Global Services, Albania
• Adela Leka, Deputy Team Leader of Albania's Agribusiness Support Facility, Albania
• Namig Shalbuzov, Deputy of Agrarian Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Azerbaijan

Moderated by Mary Kenny, FAO Food Safety and Consumer Protection Officer