A new United Nations initiative in Mozambique aimed at increasing seed quality will help Mozambique capitalize on its arable land and unlock its potential. Launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the initiative seeks to help Mozambican farmers increase local seed production and boosting overall crop yields.

Although the country has the potential to feed itself, local food prices have shot up several times following the global surge in food prices in 2007-2008. It is important to remember that the UN and the European Union (EU) have greatly contributed to the reinforcement of Mozambique‘s seed sector. In 2008, EU launched its €1 billion “Food Facility” initiative to counter soaring food. Around €7.3 million was destined to Mozambique, where Europe partnered with FAO to boost agriculture by strengthening the national seed sector. Under the two-year European Union Food Facility (EUFF) project operation, FAO worked with 15 seed companies and some 1 000 small-scale seed growers to stimulate local seed production in seven provinces of Mozambique’s 11 provinces. FAO, which aims at producing more quality seed, has also assisted the government in improving its ability to control the quality of seed reaching the market

For more information contact AFSTA Secretariat on afsta@afsta.org

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January 6^th 2011