Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM)
Background and Context
- Problem: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses significant threats to global health and agriculture. AMR occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs, reducing their effectiveness.
- FAO's Role: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been actively addressing AMR within the agrifood sector through various initiatives.
FAO Work on AMR
- FAO’s Action Plan: The FAO has developed an action plan focused on reducing the need for antimicrobials in farms to promote sustainable agrifood systems.
- Initiative Overview: The Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM) initiative aims to mitigate AMR through innovative technologies and partnerships.
Rationale
- Key Objectives: The initiative seeks to reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in farming while promoting healthier agrifood systems.
- Measuring Success: Success will be measured through the reduction in antimicrobial use and improvements in farm health.
Implementation Structure
- Workstreams:
- Support to Farm Production: Implementing practices that reduce the need for antimicrobials.
- Supporting Workstreams: Providing additional support to enhance the effectiveness of the main workstreams.
- Action Accelerators: Quick-win interventions to accelerate progress.
- One Health Approach: Integrating human, animal, and environmental health to address AMR comprehensively.
- Collaboration Mechanisms: Strengthening partnerships between various stakeholders.
Management and Operational Mechanisms
- Management Approach: A structured management approach is used to ensure the effective implementation of RENOFARM.
- Implementation: Detailed steps and timelines for implementing the initiative are outlined.
- Funding: Financial resources and funding sources are identified to support the initiative.
Key Data and Metrics
- Antimicrobial Use Reduction: Specific targets for reducing antimicrobial use in farms.
- Healthier Agrifood Systems: Indicators of improved farm health and productivity.
Acknowledgements
- Contributors: Gratitude is expressed to key contributors, including FAO staff, regional focal points, and the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat members.
- Workshops and Meetings: Recognition is given to participants from co-creation workshops and consultative meetings.
Glossary
- Agrifood Systems: The entire journey of food from farm to table, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption.
- Agri-environment: The part of the environment impacted by agrifood operations.
- Farmer Field Schools: Participatory education approaches for small-scale food producers.
- Food Value Chain: All stakeholders involved in producing and adding value to food products.
- Morbidity and Mortality: Measures of disease prevalence and death rates.
- Metaphylaxis and Prophylaxis: Methods of preventing disease in animals.
- One Health: An integrated approach to health across humans, animals, and ecosystems.
- Quadripartite: Collaboration among FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH on AMR.
Executive Summary
- AMR Challenge: AMR is a critical issue affecting both human and animal health.
- FAO’s Initiative: The RENOFARM initiative aims to reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in agriculture through innovative solutions and partnerships.
- Goals: To promote healthier agrifood systems and reduce the impact of AMR.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the RENOFARM initiative, highlighting its objectives, implementation strategies, and key stakeholders involved.