FAO celebrated World Bee Day (20 May) and International Tea Day (21 May) with a joint exhibition and tasting event at its headquarters in Rome, underscoring the essential roles of pollinators and tea in global agrifood systems, livelihoods and cultures.  

Agriculture extension agents in Lebanon are better equipped to support chickpea farmers following a two-day Training of Trainers held from 29 -30 April 2025 at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) in Tal Amara. 

Organized by FAO, the training brought together more than 26 agricultural engineers and extension officers from Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, along with agricultural trade experts from six South Asian countries, convened virtually for a regional consultation aimed at boosting exports of special agricultural products under the FAO OCOP initiative. 

The pilot aims to support environmentally sustainable production, strengthen digital traceability, and enhance market access for large cardamom in Nepal — bringing scientific expertise, government leadership, and grassroots energy together. Large cardamom is a globally recognized spice which holds immense potential for climate-smart livelihoods, value-added exports, and premium international markets. 

Belize’s coconut sector is poised for transformation as the National Task Force for the Coconut Sector convened its first quarterly meeting of 2025 in Belmopan. Held under the framework of the FAO OCOP initiative, the meeting brought together national and regional partners to assess progress and refine strategic priorities to strengthen the country’s coconut industry.