#USA #Duluth #FAO #Sustainable Agriculture #AGCO Foundation

AGCO Agriculture Foundation Collaborates with FAO World Food Forum

In a significant move towards sustainable agricultural development, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation, a pivotal entity in fighting hunger worldwide, has recently announced its collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The collaboration aims to uplift young talents by enhancing their skills and knowledge pertaining to sustainable agrifood systems, particularly in the Global South.

A $300,000 Grant for Youth Empowerment

As part of this partnership, AGCO is investing $300,000 into the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Skills Hub program. This initiative is geared towards strengthening the capacities of youth to engage actively in creating sustainable agrifood systems. The WFF initiative, established in 2021, functions as a global platform designed to foster innovative approaches to food systems and align them with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Roger Batkin, Chair of the AGCO Foundation's Board, underscores the importance of attracting young individuals to the agriculture sector. He emphasizes that such engagement is critical for developing sustainable practices that can adequately feed the growing global population. “Through strategic partnerships and programs,” Batkin stated, “we are equipping a new generation of agricultural leaders to face the challenges of food and agricultural systems.”

Focusing on Youth Skills Development

The partnership with FAO seeks to address a critical gap: formal education often lacks the frameworks necessary to prepare young people for leadership in the agrifood sector. Kazuki Kitaoka, the FAO Director for the Office of Youth and Women, expressed optimism about this partnership, emphasizing the role of innovative approaches in empowering the youth with essential skills for positively transforming agrifood systems.

The goals of the initiative include:
1. Creating Evidence-Based Skills: The program will work towards identifying the skill set demands of the agrifood sector, allowing young participants to learn skills that are necessary and valuable in real-world contexts.
2. Increasing Access to Resources: By enhancing access to information and resources, the program ensures that young people can gain meaningful knowledge applicable to their local contexts.
3. Empowering Knowledge Brokers: Participants will be trained not just to learn but to share their new insights within their communities, thereby facilitating knowledge transfer that could significantly impact their farming and entrepreneurial activities.

About AGCO and Its Foundation

AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the innovation and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision technology. With a rich history dating back to 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, AGCO has established a reputation for excellence in its brand portfolio, which includes renowned names such as Fendt®, Massey Ferguson®, PTx, and Valtra®. In 2024, the corporation reported net sales of approximately $11.7 billion, demonstrating its strong position in the agricultural sector.

Founded in 2018, the AGCO Agriculture Foundation focuses on alleviating hunger through sustainable agricultural initiatives. With operations managed from the United Kingdom and a base in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, the Foundation emphasizes community support and the building of necessary agricultural infrastructures in underserved areas.

Through this promising partnership with FAO, the AGCO Foundation aims not only to transform the lives of today’s youth but also to pave the way for future advancements in how we approach agrifood systems globally. As youth equip themselves with vital skills and knowledge, the entire agricultural landscape may undergo significant transformations that align with sustainability and food security.

For more insights into the AGCO Agriculture Foundation and its initiatives, visit AGCO Foundation.