This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). To celebrate this milestone, and in conjunction with the World Food Forum, a series of events are taking place this week in Rome.
On Wednesday, Oct. 15, FAO held a formal prize ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements across six of its technical areas (listed below).
Following a rigorous nomination process that drew more than a thousand applications, 239 recipients from around the world were honored for their best practices and innovative approaches advancing global food security, sustainable development, and the transformation of agrifood systems, according to a press release.
Among them was Lene Krøl Andersen, Director of NordGen, who was one of seven honorees recognized in the category “Sustainable Plant Production and Protection.” Andersen attended the ceremony in person to receive the distinction.
“I represent all my colleagues, both past and present, who have worked with dedication and determination to preserve and promote the sustainable use of genetic resources within the Nordic countries. We receive this important recognition with great pride,” says Lene Krøl Andersen in response on the recognition.
History of Nordic Collaboration
According to the FAO, these recognitions highlight innovation in sustainable agrifood systems transformation, along with strong technical leadership and collaboration. NordGen has a long-standing tradition of Nordic cooperation. Its current plant section traces back to the Nordic Gene Bank, established in 1979 as a joint Nordic institution under the Nordic Council of Ministers.
“Our history of Nordic cooperation in plant genetic resources goes back 45 years. Therefore, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the Nordic Council of Ministers and through them, the governments of the Nordic countries, for recognizing the value of safeguarding our genetic resources for future generations,” says Lene Krøl Andersen and continues.
”My colleagues and I are also proud to be part of the international community and wish to express our deep appreciation to the FAO, the International Plant Treaty, and all the organizations we’ve collaborated with over the years—not least our partners in the operation of Svalbard Global Seed Vault – Crop Trust, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Norway.
FAO Global Technical Recognition Ceremony
During the ceremony, contributions were recognized in the following categories. The category Sustainable plant production and protection included 39 recipients.
- Sustainable livestock transformation, One Health, animal health, and Reference Centres
- South-South and Triangular Cooperation
- Land, soil and water resource management for resilient agriculture and food security
- Sustainable aquatic food systems
- Sustainable forest production and protection
- Sustainable plant production and protection
