The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a proactive initiative aimed at reducing the necessity for antimicrobials in farming practices. This move comes in response to the escalating threat posed by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) within the food and agriculture sector, which affects terrestrial and aquatic animal health, plant life, and the environment, resulting in substantial economic losses for farmers worldwide.
In a video message unveiling the initiative titled “Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation” (RENOFARM), FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the pressing need to address the persistent use of antimicrobials in livestock production. He emphasized the importance of exploring innovative approaches to reduce antimicrobial usage while promoting sustainable farming practices that safeguard public health, animal welfare, and environmental integrity, all while enhancing livestock productivity.
The launch was announced at the International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Chongqing. The event, held in collaboration with various organizations including the Rongchang District, Chongqing City, and the Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, convened over 200 experts from China and around the world.
RENOFARM aims to offer countries policy support, technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to help decrease antimicrobial reliance in livestock production. It prioritizes animal health and welfare, environmental conservation, and food security and nutrition, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative promotes the adoption of the “5 Gs” at the farm level: Good Health Services, Good Production Practices, Good Alternatives, Good Connections, and Good Incentives.
FAO intends to implement RENOFARM in over 100 countries in collaboration with partners under the Quadripartite One Health approach, which includes the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The initiative is already underway with pilot projects in Indonesia’s Lampung province, Uganda, and Nigeria. In Lampung, a Farmers Field School (FFS) is being established to empower local farmers and raise awareness on AMR control. Initial results show positive changes in livestock management practices, particularly with the adoption of semi-closed cage systems, which has led to improved biosecurity measures and reduced antimicrobial use. However, challenges remain, such as antibiotic use in chicks due to concerns about chick quality and farmer adherence to biosecurity protocols.
This week’s meeting in Chongqing aims to formulate actionable steps and commitments for RENOFARM ahead of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR and the 4th High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR. FAO will also host the first-ever Global Conference on Animal Health Innovation, Reference Centres, and Vaccines in September to address antimicrobial resistance and promote sustainable livestock transformation.
Addressing antimicrobial resistance is crucial for preserving the world’s ability to combat diseases in humans, animals, and plants, ensuring food safety and security, and safeguarding the environment.
