The conference was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
INC was represented by Mr. Pino Calcagni, Chairman of the Scientific and Government Affairs Committee, who presented an overview of the global tree nut and dried fruit industry, with a comprehensive set of statistics on production, trade and consumption. He highlighted the importance of appointing only certified and well recognized certification bodies in order to stimulate the interest of new farmers before Central Asian territorial organizations. He also recommended following international quality standards and international organic GAP.
Participants debated about the development of organic agriculture in Central Asia, and what solutions could be brought in the short-term through cooperation among Central Asian and neighboring countries.
The centuries-old culture of traditional vegetable growing and gardening in Central Asia provides a huge potential for development of organic production. The region possesses suitable climatic conditions, labour availability and is rich in biodiversity. Central Asian countries are major producers of various commodities such as fruit and vegetables, cotton, nuts, pulses, oil seeds, wild harvested plants, honey and other products. Therefore, organic production is seen as an opportunity to reach international markets through sustainable intensification of Central Asian agriculture.
It is expected that this meeting will establish a strong base for a regional network on organic agriculture.
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