In celebration of International Youth Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Armenia joined hands with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic to highlight the power of young people to shape the future of agrifood systems. The event, held on 12 August 2025, brought young people from across the country to Aparan, in the Aragatsotn region, to inspire action, ignite ideas and foster leadership rooted in local solutions.

Across the rugged highlands and sunlit lowlands of Albania, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway. Farmers, especially women and young people, are beginning to adopt digital tools and approaches, gradually reshaping traditional roles and practices. From precision agriculture in Korça to peer learning in Manëz, rural communities are opening up to innovation and exchanging knowledge in ways that previously were out of reach. Driving this transformation is the Digital Agriculture for Rural Transformation (DART) project, a joint initiative of the Government of Albania and the United Nations through contributions from the European Union, Spain and Sweden.

With thousands of years of winemaking heritage deeply rooted in their soil, Armenia and Georgia stand among the world’s oldest wine-producing countries. Their ancient traditions, combined with modern viticulture techniques, create a unique fusion of history and innovation that continues to shape both the regional and global wine landscapes. Recognizing the vital importance of preserving this cultural and agricultural legacy, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been actively supporting sustainable viticulture efforts in both countries. Building on this commitment, FAO Armenia and FAO Georgia joined forces to organize a study tour for the key players in advancing Armenia’s wine sector.

Recognizing the important role of agrobiodiversity in rural diets, livelihoods and traditional knowledge, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is working with local communities to promote biodiversity and the sustainable use of local plants through training and awareness raising of its value for food, health and income.

Rural women in Belarus play essential roles across agrifood systems, from farming and food production to entrepreneurship and market sales. However, as in many parts of the world, their contributions often remain largely invisible and under-recognized, and gender disparities in agriculture and rural development persist. This issue is highlighted in the National gender profile of agriculture and rural livelihoods: Republic of Belarus, developed with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The report draws on statistical data and qualitative insights gathered from interviews with rural women and other local stakeholders.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is driving the digital transformation of agriculture through various projects and promoting innovation in the sector. As part of this effort, FAO is supporting the AgriTech Summit, held from 23 to 25 July 2025 during the Sevan Startup Summit. This specialized forum provides a dynamic space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnerships. The 2025 Summit brought together farmers, tech startups, government officials, researchers, and development partners to explore how emerging technologies—especially AI and digital tools—can support the development of sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agrifood systems in Armenia.

Georgia is home to remarkable wheat diversity. Of the fourteen wheat species grown in the country, five originated from Georgia itself. Yet, without action, this living heritage risks being lost forever. Georgian farmers are working to conserve the country’s native wheat varieties and agricultural heritage to improve food diversity.

Concluding at the end of July 2025, the project has provided technical support, tailored policy recommendations and actionable strategies to advance land banking, land consolidation and land market development. 

Commercial aquaculture in Turkmenistan dates to the early 1970s, with the introduction of pond-based fish farming. However, production levels declined sharply after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Reviving freshwater aquaculture – particularly through smallholder farming approaches – has the potential to diversify farmers’ livelihoods, contribute to resilient agrifood systems and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Accelerating this process in Turkmenistan, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), within the framework of a Technical Cooperation Programme project, concluded two workshops on 16 and 17 July on aquatic animal health management and aquaculture systems design and operation.

A new two-year joint programme focused on transforming food systems for better nutrition, launched today, is expected to directly benefit more than 17 000 people and indirectly reach more than 2 million people across Tajikistan. The programme is financed by the Joint SDG Fund, a United Nations mechanism designed to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main implementing United Nations agencies are the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme.