FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu is visiting Switzerland from 21 to 23 August. Several meetings are scheduled with representatives from agriculture, research and industry. This visit, combining innovation and tradition, aims to identify new partnership opportunities with both the research community and the private sector.

During their meeting on 22 August, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and Qu Dongyu discussed Switzerland's priorities regarding food security and food systems transformation in the current context of multiple crises. They also explored ways to strengthen relations between Switzerland and the FAO.

As part of his visit, the FAO Director-General is meeting with Christian Hofer, Director of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG), and members of the Executive Board of Agroscope, the federal centre of excellence for agronomic research. Discussions are focusing on Swiss expertise and innovation in sustainable agriculture, agronomic research and food systems transformation.

Switzerland has been a member of the FAO since its founding in 1946. This cooperation is essential for enhancing the sustainability of food systems and ensuring global food security. A framework agreement signed in 2019 between Switzerland and the FAO has further strengthened their mutual commitment.

Meeting between Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in Bern