Mexico Elected to Lead Regional Committee of FAO Livestock Development
MEXICO - The Council of the XII Commission on Livestock Development for Latin America and the Caribbean (CODEGALAC) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has chosen Mexico to lead this international body and to develop the work plan for 2014-15.The appointment represents a recognition of the momentum that this administration has given to the livestock sector. Mexico will henceforth be responsible for developing and promoting of the implementation of public policies for the development of the livestock sector in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
General coordinator of Mexico's Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) Francisco Gurría Treviño expressed appreciation for the country's new appointment and ensured that newly developed policies will help strengthen the livestock sector.
He noted that Mexico has made a commitment to creating a strategy for ongoing dialogue and implementing actions to promote productivity in the sector.
Mr Treviño said that the Mexican government is in close collaboration with organisations from different sectors, such as the National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), to promote public policies in order to ensure productivity.
He also stated that, in the case of issues of international cooperation, Mexico will seek closer relations with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen technological and scientific exchange.
The Sub-regional Coordinator for FAO, Ignacio Rivera Rodríguez, agreed that the livestock sector in the region requires a sustainable and productive approach. He said that the FAO is interested in establishing new public-private partnerships throughout the supply chain to have a competitive edge, thereby contributing to food security in Latin America.
Mr Rodríguez stressed on the importance of having public policies that encourage farmers to create social strategies and to raise the standards for animal health and food safety so that products have value-added market shares.
To this end, he recommended strengthening systems for technical and scientific support that each country must get underway, with the goal of eradicating hunger. He also highlighted the actions launched by Mexico under the National Crusade Against Hunger.
He asserted that countries in Latin America and the Caribbean must observe the actions performed by Mexico on rural development and inculcate these actions.
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