FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia

Elements: export diversification, value chains, food loss and waste, outbound trade promotion, geographical indications and quality branding, public-private dialogue

This component aims to assist countries in creating a supportive policy environment to diversify their export of agrifood products and enhance domestic markets. 

One of the main goals of this component is to promote sustainability all along the food value chain to achieve an improved policy environment for trade and agribusiness. Reduction of food loss and waste provides solutions to develop more efficient, inclusive and sustainable food systems. The promotion of organic production and geographical indication schemes provides a tool for food quality and branding, a means for accessing new markets, and an opportunity for maintaining related food traditions and cultures. Initiatives that specifically address rural women improve quality and competitiveness of the rural crafts produced by them, which results in greater income, reduced rural-to-urban migration and empowerment of rural women.

In addition to supporting open policy dialogue among public and private stakeholders, FAO engages in increasing public and private investments by promoting successful international and regional experience in risk management mechanisms.

Feeding our cities: How the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the movement of food in urban areas
16/12/2024

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way food is moved, sold, and bought in urban areas worldwide – creating some new trends and accelerating others. In...

FAO project paves the way for the Chestnut Route in Albania
11/12/2024

As part of One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “Sustainable Chestnut...

Nomadic roots, modern routes
07/11/2024

Raised with livestock, Mahammad and his community have long depended on animals as their main source of income. Moving around together solidified...

From Baranja to the world
07/10/2024

For nearly 120 years, farmers in the northeastern region of modern-day Croatia have been making and enjoying artisanal dried sausage from high-quality...

Analysis of the table grape value chain will provide a roadmap for sector growth
10/07/2024

A landmark workshop held recently launched a project that will transform the table grape sector in the Republic of Moldova to be more sustainable, resilient...

Culture, cuisine and countryside
02/07/2024

Agritourism is a great example of a systems approach that brings together many interrelated sectors: agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, marketing,...

FAO initiative transforms Albanian chestnut value chain through innovation
10/05/2024

In the picturesque landscape of northern Albania's Tropoja region, nestled within the expansive chestnut forest massif, an ambitious initiative is taking...

Thriving, efficient small-scale aquaculture starts with a reliable fish seed supply
15/04/2024

In aquaculture, seed encompasses the different life stages of the young species – from egg to juveniles. Therefore, improving fish farmers’ access to...

FAO trains farmers in Kyrgyzstan in modern horticultural techniques
10/04/2024

Horticulture can not only help farmers improve their incomes and livelihoods but also offer nutritious food and healthy diets for citizens in Bishkek...

Closing the loop: building a zero-waste food system
28/03/2024

The International Day of Zero Waste reminds us of the need for action at all levels and collaboration among diverse actors. Working together, we can...

Sustainable chestnut production boosts rural development
15/12/2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the...

Virtual training helps understand antimicrobial resistance in food and agriculture
10/11/2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) – when antimicrobial drugs lose their effectiveness against microorganisms...

Regional vision for sustainable and resilient national food systems builds on success of food loss and waste project
17/04/2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), key national stakeholders and partner organizations of the three-year project “Reduction...

Towards a waste-free future
30/03/2023

Over the past 50 years, food production has grown by almost 300 percent. And yet, by 2050, we will need to produce 60 percent more food to feed...

Ukraine: EU-FAO partnership to ensure recovery and development of agricultural value chains
04/01/2023

Rural households, smallholder farmers and small-scale agricultural enterprises will benefit from a $15.5 million project funded by the European Union...

New FAO tool allows Uzbekistan to monitor and analyse food prices
16/12/2022

Timely information on food prices and markets is important for agricultural development, especially for smallholders and food producers. In this regard,...