FAO and IRENA sign MOU to boost sustainability of food and ag through bioenergy and renewables

In Italy, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have underscored their continued commitment to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies in agri-food, fisheries and forestry chains and sustainable bioenergy through the signature of a collaboration agreement.

Signed by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera in a virtual meeting, the new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the food and agriculture sectors by accelerating the use of renewables and sustainable bioenergy while fostering climate action and resilience.

Energy-smart agri-food practices based on renewables can increase both agricultural productivity, food chain decarbonization and food security. Accelerating renewable energy solutions will also boost economic growth and create jobs in a sustainable agro-industry – addressing critical development challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries.