Latest news with #NationalFoodSecurityStrategy
Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Prime Minister: National Food Security Strategy constitutes a reference for joint work with FAO
Baghdad-INA Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed on Sunday that the National Food Security Strategy constitutes a reference for joint work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance local production, reduce imports, achieve self-sufficiency in wheat, and support farmers and agricultural workers. The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received today, Sunday, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu." According to the statement, the Prime Minister stressed "the importance of cooperation with the organization to implement the recommendations of the Baghdad Water Conferences to address climate change, which has affected the environment and caused water scarcity and the spread of desertification." He praised "the role of the Director-General and officials of the organization for their efforts in the projects implemented and sponsored by FAO in Iraq." Al-Sudani pointed out that "the National Food Security Strategy constitutes a reference for joint work with the Organization to enhance local production, reduce imports, achieve self-sufficiency in wheat, and support farmers and agriculturalists." The Prime Minister emphasized "the importance of the outcomes of the Carbon Economics Conference held in Baghdad and the memoranda of understanding signed by Iraq with international companies to develop the green economy." He noted "the need to implement the outcomes of the (36) FAO Regional Conference for the Near East, held in Baghdad in 2022, and adopt it in Ministerial Declaration of Baghdad to ensure the transition to modern technological systems, support small enterprises, empower youth, and enhance the role of women." For his part, Dongyu confirmed "continued coordination with Iraq and readiness to launch a project to enhance its ability to confront climate change, funded by several parties, including Iraq and the Organization, with a total budget approaching $40 million."
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Federal election: What Labor's win means for Australia's $88m agriculture industry
Labor went to the Federal election without a firm agriculture policy but its resounding election win means a suite of farming-related pledges will be rolled out during the next four years. Creating a National Food Security Strategy, bolstering farm safety and extending the instant asset write-off for another year were among the most significant promises the party made to agriculture before the May 3 Federal election. But Anthony Albanese's plan to ban live sheep exports by May 1, 2028 now looks set to become a reality as the Federal Government pushes on with rolling out its $139m industry transition package. While funding commitments targeted directly at the regions were scarce, health was a significant focus with $204.5 million to improve existing and expand Healthdirect services, $200m to create a 24-hour telehealth service, $135.2m for online mental health support and $32m for men's mental health services. The Prime Minister's planned live export ban and fears about Labor's tax on unrealised gains policy have been criticised by farming groups, but move to pour $3.5m investment into creating National Food Security Strategy was widely welcomed. The strategy — announced prior to the election — would recognise the importance of safeguarding food supply chains and bolster the resilience of Australia's agriculture and food production systems. Its plan to impose a 30 per cent tax on unrealised capital gains made superannuation accounts worth $3m or more was one of the most contentious policy, with National Farmers Federation estimating there are about 17,000 SMSF accounts that hold farming land. Other policies welcomed included a $2.5m injection to keep Farmsafe Australia running for the next three years, with after the number of people killed on farms doubled to 72 last year. A further $20m was committed to a campaign to encourage more Australians to buy locally made products. The On Farm Connectivity Program — which offers rebates of up to 50 per cent on equipment and technology — received a $20m investment in a new round, worth up to $30,000 per applicant. Labor also committed to strategically examine the potential to grow a biofuels feedstock industry to support Australia's transition to net zero and backed the NFF's roadmap for agriculture to become a $100 billion industry by 2030. The Federal Government also pledged an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off until June 30 next year, a move welcomed by small businesses but short of the Coalition's pledge to offer a permanent write-off. In announcing the policy, Mr Albanese said the short-term incentive was designed to encourage businesses to spend as a matter of priority. Community infrastructure was also a focus of Labor's pre-election commitments, with its Community Upgrade Fund receiving a boost to enable local facilities like pools, libraries and sports clubs to share $100 million to become more energy efficient. Labor also committed to a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation to bridge mobile telecommunications blackspots, requiring mobile operators to provide equitable access to baseline outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. Labor's $200m to create a 24-hour telehealth service, dubbed '1800MEDICARE', will be introduced by January next year, while a pledge Movember, Men's Sheds and male-specific mental health services will receive a significant boost. This includes $8.3 million to support another two years of Men's Shed Initiative's National Shed Development Program, and $7.4 million to expand Movember's Ahead of the Game program, delivered in partnership with the AFL. Also included is $3.0 million to Healthy Male to support the delivery of Plus Paternal Initiative, and $2.0 million to the Black Dog Institute to research men's mental health and suicide prevention at the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing. The controversial indexation of excise on on draught beer has been frozen for two years, and the Federal Government will left a the $350,000 excise remission cap to $400,000 for all eligible alcohol manufacturers. It also committed $7m in the recent budget to support horticultural conferences, agritech events and other agricultural trade shows for two years from July 1, including $2m for the world's biggest sheep, lamb and wool conference Lambex. It has also pledged $6.8m in 2025-26 in international engagement and technical market access activities to support agricultural exports in a changing trade environment.
Arab Times
13-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait has taken tangible steps to enhance food security and safety: Health Minister
KUWAIT CITY, May 13: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday that Kuwait has taken significant steps to bolster its food security and safety framework, beginning with the launch of the National Food Security Strategy and the update of regulations governing imported foods and school canteens. Speaking at the opening of the 4th Annual Food Safety and Nutrition Summit, Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized Kuwait's commitment to improving food systems. The two-day summit, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is organized by the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, and the US Embassy in Kuwait. It includes broad participation from representatives across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted that the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition regularly conducts inspection campaigns and monitors facilities across Kuwait's governorates to foster a culture of prevention and ensure adherence to the highest safety standards. He stressed that ensuring universal access to safe and adequate food, along with improving nutrition and its safety, are essential to achieving both national and international sustainable development goals. Placing human health and dignity at the center of public policy, he noted, aligns with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes eradicating hunger, enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture—all aimed at building a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for future generations. Dr. Al-Awadhi said the summit reflects a shared vision and commitment to improving global food security and public health. He described it as a meaningful platform that emphasizes collective awareness of the importance of food safety and nutrition as cornerstones of health, economic growth, and social development. Citing scientific studies and real-world experience, he warned that the consequences of neglecting food safety go beyond statistics and are reflected in human suffering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foodborne illnesses affect over 600 million people annually, resulting in more than 420,000 deaths. Alarmingly, 125,000 of those deaths—nearly 30 percent—are among children under the age of five, even though children make up just 9 percent of the global population. These figures, Dr. Al-Awadhi noted, underscore the urgent need to strengthen national and global food safety systems and expand public awareness, especially to protect children, who are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. He also pointed to the Gulf region's investments in training expert personnel in food inspection and laboratory analysis as a critical factor in advancing national food security—a "priceless investment" for a healthier and more sustainable future. The health minister praised international cooperation, especially the efforts of UN-affiliated bodies, the United States, and other partners in supporting Kuwait's development of effective food security and safety systems. In her remarks at the summit, U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait Karen Sasahara emphasized the strong and expanding bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the United States, particularly in agriculture and food security. She noted that bilateral trade in this sector reached $275 million last year, with a total of $3.6 billion in trade between the U.S. and GCC countries. Ambassador Sasahara said that American agricultural sector representatives regularly engage with their Kuwaiti counterparts to explore the application of US technologies and products in advancing sustainable agricultural solutions. She explained that the summit seeks to deepen mutual understanding and align visions on best practices in food safety and security between the United States and GCC countries. This year's theme focuses on food safety as a fundamental pillar of community health and sustainable food security. The ambassador also described the summit as an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Kuwait collaboration and to strengthen partnerships with other participating nations in areas of food security and sustainable agriculture. She acknowledged shared health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, faced by both the US and GCC nations. The United States, she said, is working to improve its food system's nutritional quality by addressing the root causes of these issues and promoting international cooperation. The summit includes expert-led panel discussions featuring specialists in food security, health, and agriculture from the United States, the United Nations, and the GCC. Topics include national policy development and strategies for enhancing food safety and nutrition across the region.
Biz Bahrain
25-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Transportation Ministry signs contract with Bahrain Flour Mills to support food security
The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, represented by the Ports and Maritime Affairs, signed a land lease agreement with Bahrain Flour Mills Company for a 89,061-square-metre plot in the Bahrain Logistics Zone. The land will be used to build an integrated industrial facility equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced silos to enhance the strategic reserve's storage capacity, in line with the highest standards of quality, health, safety, and sustainability. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, emphasised the ministry's commitment to developing infrastructure, attracting investment, and supporting logistics services that reinforce and sustain the food security system. He highlighted that this approach falls within the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The minister highlighted the project's role in enhancing Bahrain Flour Mills' storage capabilities and improving distribution efficiency through integration with the Kingdom of Bahrain's transport and logistics networks. The initiative supports food security, diversifies and sustains supply chains, and meets local market needs in line with His Majesty the King's food security initiative and the National Food Security Strategy (2020–2030), aligned with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Basim Mohamed Alsaie, Chairman of Bahrain Food Holding Company and Bahrain Flour Mills Company, expressed appreciation to the minister for supporting this strategic project. He underlined its importance in expanding the company's operational and storage capabilities through the construction of modern silos and industrial facilities, enhancing the Kingdom's readiness to address global economic challenges related to food security. The contract signing was attended by Wayne Henry Craig, CEO of Bahrain Flour Mills Company. BNA(R)
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dibba Bay Oysters announces Andrea Sartoris as General Manager to drive expansion and growth
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dibba Bay Oysters, the first gourmet oyster farm in the Middle East, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Andrea Sartoris as the new General Manager. Bringing a leading figure with over 20 years of global experience in the food and beverage industry to the groundbreaking business that has redefined the UAE's aquaculture landscape, the partnership between Andrea and Dibba Bay Oysters is the next step in an inspirational journey. Since launching in 2016, Dibba Bay Oysters has set new industry benchmarks, delivering locally harvested, world-class oysters across the UAE and several international markets. Named after its birthplace on the tranquil shores of Dibba, the company has grown to prominence by cultivating premium oysters with unrivalled freshness and a distinctive, clean flavour profile in the pristine, nutrient-rich waters of Fujairah. Andrea is an Italian national with expertise in sales and operations across diverse markets and industries. From 2005 to 2014, he served as an International Area Manager for a leading multinational company specialising in seafood brands, gaining deep industry knowledge and global market insights. Relocating to the UAE in 2011 from Switzerland, he took on senior sales and operations roles, including General Sales Manager, Market Operations Manager, and Head of Retail & E-Commerce, before assuming a Group Sales Manager position in 2023. This wealth of experience positions Andrea to capitalise on Dibba Bay Oysters' unique qualities through expansion into local and new markets. He has a proven track record in driving successful strategic initiatives with diverse, high-performing teams to achieve outstanding business results. Today, Andrea joins Dibba Bay Oysters with a clear mission to build its legacy, delivering the business from Fujairah to the world. Transforming traditional methods into a groundbreaking model for gourmet oyster farming, Dibba Bay Oysters has proven its ability to adapt to international market demands while maintaining a position at the forefront of sustainable practices and eco-friendly farming techniques. Leveraging cutting-edge technology to achieve unmatched efficiency and product quality, it is not only a force to be reckoned with on the global stage but plays a key role in safeguarding marine ecosystems as it aligns with the objective of the UAE's National Food Security Strategy. Initiatives already in place include the Dibba Bay Oyster 'Reef Creation Project', returning shells to the ocean to support native shellfish and the reef habitat. 'It is a privilege to work with a talented and committed team of over 180 exceptional colleagues, from our skilled oystermen to our passionate sales team,' said Andrea Sartoris on his appointment as General Manager. 'Their daily efforts, creativity, and dedication are the vital force behind Dibba Bay's continued success and growth. Together, we are pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in all we do.' Building on the foundation and vision of his predecessor, Andrea will lead Dibba Bay Oysters as it continues to harness the opportunities of its geographic location and superior product to disrupt the UAE's culinary landscape and champion the UAE-grown excellence on the global stage. Proud of being locally produced and globally acclaimed, Dibba Bay Oysters' efficient supply chain ensures oysters are harvested and delivered within 24/48 hours, maintaining their freshness and quality. By revitalising oyster farming, Dibba Bay honours the rich maritime heritage of the UAE, blending tradition with modern innovation to create a premium choice available across leading retail chains, top hospitality venues, Michelin-Starred restaurants and two brand-owned restaurants. What started as a simple question – 'Could premium gourmet oysters be grown in the waters of the United Arab Emirates?' – has been answered with triumphant results among the region's discerning, cosmopolitan culinary scene. The next step for the team's shared mission, in which Andrea will play a key role, is to evolve into a leading global brand as Dibba Bay Oysters become 'the world's oyster'. For further information Dibba Bay Oysters, please visit: About Dibba Bay Founded in 2016, Dibba Bay is the first shellfish farm in the Middle East, based in Dibba, Fujairah. The farm is a 90-minute drive from Dubai and harvesting takes place three times a week, every week of the year, to ensure incredibly fresh oysters are delivered to customers in a regular and reliable fashion. The Dibba Bay oyster is a sustainably farmed local product of the UAE with a growing reputation as a world-class gourmet product. Along several important certificates, Dibba Bay is Friend of the Sea and Halal certified for sustainable aquaculture; which proves not only that the company conducts a responsible farming operation, but also has a broader commitment to protecting the environment. The Dibba Bay oyster is a nutritional powerhouse, high in protein with 10 grams available in just four oysters. They are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet - full of Zinc, Vitamins D3 & B12, omega-3 fatty acids and much more. Dibba Bay currently produces over 300,000 oysters a month and a large percentage is exported to countries that include Russia, Hong Kong, Macau, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Oman, and very soon new destinations. Learn more at For Middle East media enquiries, please contact AllDetails: Nejoud Bayoumi, PR Account Manager Email: Chamodi Gunawardane, Junior PR Account Manager, Email:
