Food security is fundamental to human survival. The Republic of China (Taiwan) seeks to spur cooperation in the international grain trade, create a fair and stable market, and strengthen awareness of the importance of global food security. In consideration of the need for a global effort, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) continues to assist the Council of Agriculture (COA) in gaining participation in International Grains Council (IGC) meetings that bring together governments and trade experts from all over the world for discussions and exchanges on markets and trade policy.
In response to the spread of COVID-19 since February, the IGC decided to hold the 51st Council Session and 29th Grains Conference virtually. MOFA worked with the COA to submit supply and demand data concerning the global market for major grains as well as trade development information. MOFA also provided related information to the COA concerning online registration and participation. COA staff for the first time had an opportunity to observe the meetings and speeches of these virtual conferences on June 8 and 10, 2020.
Since the appearance and spread of COVID-19, it has been believed that wild animals served as the origin or intermediary hosts of the virus causing the disease. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recommended that people not consume or handle wild animals' raw flesh. The FAO is working with researchers all over the world to identify potential animal hosts of the virus and reduce the chance of transmission to humans. The FAO released an action plan in 2019 that calls on people to eat more grains and vegetables and less meat and also not to waste food. Our collective aim is to use advanced technologies to help our planet while addressing the challenges posed by nature.
#food security
#International Grains Council (IGC)
#global grain market
#COVID-19 outbreak
#videoconference
#coronavirus
#wild animal meat