FAO opens global conference to put One Health into action across agrifood systems

Launch of new online hub brings together livestock data and tools to support early warning, preparedness and decision-making

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu delivering his opening statement. FAO Headquarters (Plenary Hall)

Rome – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu opened the Global Conference for Actions on One Health in Agrifood Systems today highlighting the close interconnections between agriculture and the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems.

“One Health is a farmer's agenda, a scientist's agenda, and a Minister's agenda,” he said.

These connections crosscut a number of government ministries and require all stakeholders to work together in an efficient, effective and coherent manner, the Director-General explained.

Degraded soil can weaken crops and animal feed, while poor water quality can spread pathogens between animals and people. He also noted that pests and diseases destroy an estimated 20 to 40 percent of global crop production every year, illustrating the consequences that threats to plant health can have for food security.

Such challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. One Health recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is closely interconnected and that tackling risks such as emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change and food safety requires different sectors to work together.

Bringing these sectors together is a central aim of the conference being held at FAO’s Rome headquarters. The aim is to help countries move from dialogue to practical action. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation, sharing knowledge and identifying priority actions and investment opportunities to make agrifood systems healthier and more resilient.