WFO Champions Farmers’ Role in the Fight Against AMR at UNGA 79

On September 26, 2024, during the High-level Week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) took a decisive stand on the global challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the High-level Meeting on AMR. Representing over 80 national farmers’ organisations from more than 50 countries, the WFO reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the responsible use of antimicrobials and preventing the development of AMR on a global, regional, and national scale.

In his statement, WFO Secretary General, Dr Andrea Porro, emphasised the critical need for farmers and other relevant actors in the agri-food value chain to be engaged as partners in developing and implementing strategies to reduce AMR. He highlighted that the accessibility and availability of adequate antimicrobials, particularly for minor species, must be prioritised.

Dr Porro further underscored the importance of investing in research and development to find innovative solutions that support the One Health approach, enabling the prevention and treatment of zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases in livestock production. He noted that no major advancements in antimicrobials have been made since 1987 and called for new concepts to drive incentives for innovation, cooperation, and public-private partnerships.

While welcoming the political declaration approved at UNGA 79, Dr Porro expressed concern that farmers were mentioned only once in the document. He stressed that farmers and their organisations are a crucial partner, if properly engaged, in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance, alongside with governments and other relevant stakeholders.

“The World Farmers’ Organisation is committed to working with governments and stakeholders towards research and development in farmer-driven solutions that are practical and applicable at the farm level,” Dr Porro said. He called for new concepts that provide incentives for research and development in solutions to improve biosecurity on farms, genetics, animal feeds, and animal health and welfare, while reducing the need for treatments. Additionally, Dr Porro emphasised the need to maximise the lifespan of existing antimicrobials, acknowledging that the development of new active substances requires significant time and investment.

The WFO’s participation in the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to collaborating with the United Nations, the AMR Quadripartite (FAO, WOAH, WHO, UNEP), and other key institutions and stakeholders to advance preventative measures, ensure equitable access to effective antimicrobials, and combat the sales of counterfeit, substandard, and falsified veterinary products.