FAO COAG-30 Focuses on Global Food Security Priorities

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Key priorities for strengthening global food security were discussed at the 30th session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), being held in Rome. Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov is taking part in the forum.

One of the central events of the session was the presentation of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 (SOFI 2026) report. Addressing the meeting, Abdurakhmonov said ensuring healthy nutrition requires not only sufficient food supplies but also food safety, nutritional value, diversity and accessibility for all segments of the population.

The minister said access to healthy diets depends on the effectiveness of the entire agrifood system, adding that sustainable results can only be achieved through coordinated action across the entire value chain, from production to the end consumer.

Abdurakhmonov also presented reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan to strengthen food security. He noted that the country adopted the Law on Food Security in 2025 and is continuing to implement the National Strategy on Food Security and Healthy Nutrition through 2030.

The minister said Uzbekistan's experience demonstrates the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing the cost of healthy diets. According to him, this requires lowering production costs for nutritious food, improving storage and logistics systems, and providing targeted social support to the most vulnerable groups of the population.

During the session, participants discussed innovation in food security, support for the bioeconomy, the promotion of the One Health concept, and expanding the role of women, young people, family farms and dehkan farms in rural development.

According to the SOFI 2026 report, the high cost of healthy diets remains one of the main barriers to tackling hunger and malnutrition. Discussions also focused on factors affecting the cost of healthy diets, regional characteristics of agrifood systems, and the need to strengthen policy and investment measures in this area.

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Agriculture said the country's participation in COAG-30 reflects its commitment to strengthening food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development and expanding international cooperation.