In April the executive committee of the International Co-operative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO) signed a Declaration of Ambitions, which sets out seven main actions for 2017-2018.
ICAO is the global body for agricultural co-operatives and a sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance. Its mission is to facilitate exchange between members as well as between members and other rural development organisations.
Signed in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, the declaration highlights the main objectives for ICAO. These include promoting trade based on co-operation among co-operatives, working towards a solution regarding the imbalance between production and consumption, and researching and promoting methods and best practices for reducing distribution costs.
In addition, the ICAO pledges to work to empower young farmers and women farmers, promote sustainable agriculture in light of climate challenges, empower small scale farmers to compete with larger agricultural operations and financially supporting farmers in developing countries through microfinance projects. The full Declaration of Ambitions is available on ICAO’s website.
Photo: ICAO meeting in Brasilia
