The representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Farrokh Toirov, emphasized the strategic importance of the livestock and poultry sectors for ensuring food security, rural employment, and the country's agricultural economy. He stressed the need to promote sustainable development through the implementation of innovations, strengthening animal health services, and conserving local livestock genetic resources.
These statements were made during his address at the 25th International Exhibition of Livestock, Poultry, and Related Industries, held in Tehran on Sunday. The representative noted Iran's technical potential, the expertise of the private sector, and research institutes in meat and poultry production, calling the exhibition an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and advance innovative solutions to improve the productivity and sustainability of livestock systems.
According to the FAO representative, meeting the growing demand for animal-derived food products requires improving production efficiency, animal health status, feed utilization efficiency, food safety, and environmental sustainability. He also highlighted water scarcity, pasture degradation, feed availability and cost, and animal diseases as major sector challenges.
Referring to the long-standing cooperation between FAO, the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, and national scientific research institutions, the representative underscored the importance of conserving and sustainably developing endangered local livestock genetic resources as a key area of joint work. As part of this cooperation, FAO is implementing a Technical Cooperation project focused on valuable local breeds, including Bactrian camels, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goats, and Marhooz goats. The project aims to enhance conservation approaches, support community-level breeding programs, and sustain pastoralists' livelihoods.
Local livestock breeds represent valuable genetic resources due to their ability to adapt to local climatic and natural conditions. Their conservation not only contributes to agricultural biodiversity but also enhances the resilience of livestock systems in challenging environmental conditions, preserving options for future livestock development. Previously, FAO has also supported the conservation of Bactrian camels in Iran and implemented mobile biotechnology and reproduction services for pastoralists in the country's northwestern regions through its technical cooperation initiatives. This experience serves as a foundation for expanding community-level livestock services, improving access to specialized technical support, and strengthening the productive capacity and livelihoods of rural and pastoral communities.
The FAO representative also specifically noted that animal health is a fundamental pillar of food security, public health, and sustainable production. The 'One Health' principle, which considers risks at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment, is critically important for combating zoonotic diseases, transboundary animal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. It was recognized that strengthening veterinary services, surveillance and early warning systems, biosecurity measures, and responsible antibiotic use is crucial for reducing economic losses, protecting livestock productivity, and ensuring public health.
During his speech, the representative also mentioned FAO's emergency assistance to Iran's fishing sector following the consequences of recent armed conflict. The Emergency Technical Cooperation project is aimed at restoring essential fishing infrastructure, supporting affected coastal communities, and strengthening household food security and livelihoods, particularly in Sistan and Baluchestan, Hormozgan provinces.
Referencing the UN declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists, where FAO is the leading agency, the representative emphasized the importance of sustainable pasture management, conservation of agricultural biodiversity, and support for pastoral communities. Concluding his address, the FAO representative called for closer interaction between government agencies, research centers, producers, and the private sector, linking the future of livestock and poultry to the theme of World Food Day 2026: 'Innovations Today, Nutrition Tomorrow.' He stressed that combining scientific innovations with traditional knowledge and locally adapted solutions can improve productivity, enhance nutritional value, protect the environment, and strengthen rural livelihoods.