The Regional Workshop on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) in the Near East and North Africa Region

BACKGROUND  

FAO launched the Global Action on “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) in September 2021 to contribute to the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31 and ultimately achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The Global Action on OCOP will promote inclusive, profitable, and environmentally sustainable food systems through the development of Special Agricultural Products (SAPs). The aim is to optimize the production systems; minimize food loss and waste, the misuse of agricultural chemicals; and maximize incomes to enable the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. 

The OCOP has been launched in all FAO regions, including the Near East and North Africa (RNE). To date ten countries in RNE have implemented OCOP activities. Egypt and Iraq first implemented OCOP activities as ‘demonstration countries’; followed by Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen with TCP funding in April 2023. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is included on a self-funded basis. Algeria and Lebanon have also been included in the global FVC project from March 2024. 

The expected outcome of the TCP OCOP is upgrading strategies and plans of action for improved investment and multi-stakeholder partnership in value chains of priority products. This will lead to inclusive access to better agrifood market opportunities for small producers increased through evidence-based solutions and sustainable approaches.   

OBJECTIVE 

The event will bring together stakeholders from all ten OCOP countries across the NENA region and OCOP secretariat to present results, share lessons learnt and experiences and exchange good practice. Furthermore, representatives from potential donors and investors will be invited to share their knowledge of funding initiatives in the region that OCOP could partner with for investment in the OCOP implementation strategy.  

FORMAT AND VENUE 

The Regional workshop on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) in the Near East and North Africa region will be held in Cairo, Egypt from Monday, February 17th, to Wednesday, February 19th , 2025.  

The event will take place in person, with simultaneous interpretation available in Arabic, English, and French.