“We at FAO are honored to be part of this very important and most prominent platform in the year for bringing together those committed to strengthening food security and advancing sustainable agriculture. This year's exhibition comes at a very critical moment for the agrifood sector. In a world facing growing uncertainty from disrupted supply chains to climate change pressure, the importance of resilient, innovative and self-sufficient agriculture has never been greater,” said Muhammad Nasar Hayat, Representative the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Azerbaijan, as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition and Forum - Caspian Agro Week, the 31st Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition - InterFood Azerbaijan held at the Baku Expo Center.
He noted that climate variability continues to challenge farmers making efficient water use, healthy soils, digital tools and modern value chains essential, not optional.
“Caspian Agro plays a vital role in turning these priorities into practical solutions by connecting innovation with real world applications. In Azerbaijan, FAO’s partnership with government continues to grow stronger each year. Together, we are introducing more efficient irrigation practices, strengthening cooperatives, supporting sustainable land and water management and empowering farmers through training and digital tools. These initiatives are ultimately about more than productivity. They are enhancing livelihoods, protecting ecosystems and creating opportunities for rural communities.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's identity and economic progress as the sector continues to modernize, FAO remains committed to supporting innovation policy development and digital transformation, as well as climate resilience, solutions that help farmers adapt and thrive. But we recognize that meaningful transformation requires collective effort. Governments, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, academia and farmers, as well as communities, all play an essential role in building a future where agriculture is both productive and sustainable,” the FAO representative emphasized.
