Transitioning to green agriculture requires a fundamental shift in budget priorities, sustainable practices, and consumer behavior, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasized at the 4th Agribusiness Development Forum held in Baku
Speaking at the forum, Dmitry Zvyagintsev, a representative of the FAO, detailed a set of key recommendations for achieving environmentally sustainable agriculture. “It is essential to reduce environmentally harmful budget supports and redirect some of those funds towards eco-friendly measures,” he stated. Zvyagintsev underscored the importance of aligning agricultural policies with agro-climatic conditions and introducing clear environmental requirements to help farmers move toward greener practices.
He also stressed the need for greater investment in research and development. “We want farmers to adopt sustainable land management practices and use climate-resilient seeds and animal breeds,” he noted.
Another crucial element of the transition, according to Zvyagintsev, involves consumer-oriented measures. “Promoting sustainable dietary choices at the retail level will influence which products are in demand and, consequently, which products farmers grow,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of reducing food loss and waste as part of the green agriculture agenda.
While agro-systems deliver significant benefits to society, Zvyagintsev warned that they also carry considerable environmental costs. “These negative impacts primarily affect water, soil, nitrogen, and the climate,” he said.
Citing FAO data, he revealed that global food systems generate approximately $10 trillion annually in hidden costs, with around $3 trillion stemming from countries in the region. “In our region, unhealthy diets account for the largest share of hidden costs, followed by environmental costs related to climate, water, soil, and nitrogen,” he explained.
Zvyagintsev concluded by urging policymakers to consider these figures in ministerial discussions, particularly when allocating budget support and planning green transition strategies for farmers.
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