The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is implementing the “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) Initiative, which is aimed at promoting the sustainable value chains of special agricultural products (SAPs).

Currently, 87 countries have joined the OCOP initiative to promote 53 SAPs. Sweet cherry was selected as Uzbekistan’s priority product, emphasizing its role in strengthening food security, supporting small farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

On 25 October 2024, the first meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) to support the National Task Force for the implementation of the OCOP initiative took place. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Agency for the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex, the Agency for Plant Protection and Quarantine, and the Academician Makhmud Mirzaev Scientific-Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking. Additionally, representatives from private agribusiness companies and the European Union Agricultural Support Program (EU ASK Facility) participated in the meeting. Their efforts are directed towards creating a sustainable value chain for sweet cherries, benefiting small farmers, strengthening the local economy, and protecting the environment.

At the meeting, participants agreed on the composition and responsibilities of the OCOP TWG in Uzbekistan. This group will facilitate cooperation among government agencies, farmers’ associations, the private sector, and research institutions and coordinate the implementation of the OCOP initiative.

The global OCOP initiative, launched by FAO, aims to assist countries in establishing sustainable agricultural supply chains for the SAPs tied to their countries of origin through geographical indications and a local cultural heritage to address food security and malnutrition issues and boost local economies. This initiative aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework for 2022-2031 and supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently, there are 11 countries in Europe and Central Asia promoting SAPs, including Albania (chestnut), Azerbaijan (pomegranate), Kazakhstan (apples), and Türkiye (figs).

Bekhruz Khudoyberdiyev, UzA