A roundtable discussion was held on the topic of "Climate-Resilient Agribusiness: Aligning Strategy, Investment, and Policy"

A roundtable discussion on “Climate-Resilient Agribusiness: Aligning Strategy, Investment and Policy” was held within the framework of the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW).

The roundtable was attended by the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, Regional Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Europe and Central Asia, Assistant Director-General Viorel Gutu, representatives of companies and associations operating in the agricultural sector, and experts.

Speaking at the event, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev stated that climate change, as well as affecting all spheres of life, creates new challenges and opportunities. Noting that climate change causes difficulties in the agricultural sector, Mukhtar Babayev noted that, in addition to climate adaptation, the opportunities arising against the background of new challenges should be evaluated.

Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov stated that climate change is not only an ecological issue, but also a socio-economic one. Stating that climate change affects the agricultural sector more, Majnun Mammadov emphasized that digitalization is needed in every sector of agriculture in order to reduce the risks of climate change and effectively use water and soil resources. The Minister added that Azerbaijan is taking consistent and systematic measures to transform agriculture into modern and digital agriculture and develop rural areas, and state support measures in the agricultural sector are being expanded.

Viorel Gutu, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Assistant Director-General, in turn, touched upon the issues of food security, the creation of a sustainable agricultural system in line with new challenges, increasing productivity while protecting the environment, and global cooperation in these areas. He highlighted the importance of building sustainable agri-food systems against the backdrop of global challenges, and the possibility of minimizing the risks faced by the agricultural sector and increasing productivity in the agricultural sector through the widespread application of digital technologies.

The speakers at the event shared their views on support tools for farmers and expanding entrepreneurial initiatives, ensuring financial accessibility, investment in the agricultural sector and other issues, and made proposals for the development of the agricultural sector.