FAO

FAO Sub regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Xiangjun Yao, attended the handover ceremony representing Liang Qu, the Director of Joint IAEA/FAO office in Vienna and FAO. “FAO recognizes that research for development is fundamental to boast food security which and agriculture development is an important FAO mandate.”

The competition, which was part of the World Food Day 2015 celebrations, was aimed at High Schools that give agriculture a high profile in their school curriculum. The competition provided an opportunity for the students to showcase projects and to provide an incentive to continue with agriculture in their studies and possibly as a career.

The vouchers were supplied by FAO through the UN Youth Employment Programme.

"Postharvest is a major issue for Samoa, said Professor Steven Underhill, who is leading the project.

“Not only does it reduce smallholder farmers profit but it decreases the amount of fruit and vegetables available for sale to consumers.”

Last year, Prof Underhill and staff of the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) undertook an in-depth study of the level of postharvest losses in the central markets in Apia, as well as municipal markets throughout Upolu and Savaii.  

A new series of educational materials is teaching children the importance of healthy soils for our food, environment, livelihoods and well-being.

Developed by FAO and the Washington D.C.-based National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) as part of the 2015 International Year of Soils (IYS2015), the materials target children aged 5 to 14, using word games, puzzles, drawing activities and other interactive elements.