By Jamie Martin
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) recently initiated a crucial program called RENOFARM, which stands for Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation.
This global initiative is part of a broader effort to diminish the reliance on antimicrobials in livestock, a critical move towards sustainable agricultural practices.
RENOFARM collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, farmers, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.
The initiative is designed to offer countries comprehensive support through policies, technical guidance, capacity building, and the sharing of knowledge and resources. The main goal is to enhance livestock health and welfare while reducing antimicrobial use.
In 2017, a staggering 73% of all antimicrobials sold globally were used in animal agriculture. This high usage rate poses risks not only to human health but also to animal welfare and the environment.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted the urgency of this issue in his announcement, saying, "The persistent use of antimicrobials in livestock production is concerning for human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability." He called for innovative approaches to minimize antimicrobial use and advance sustainable livestock practices that are beneficial to public health and the planet.
The RENOFARM initiative is undergoing a pilot phase in Indonesia's poultry sector, with ambitions to implement it in over 100 countries worldwide.
This initiative is also a key component of the One Health antimicrobial resistance strategy, supported by the Quadripartite collaboration between the FAO, World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, and the UN Environment Programme.
By advocating for reduced antimicrobial use in farming, the RENOFARM initiative by UN FAO is setting a foundation for healthier agricultural systems and a more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: National