The ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) is an annual gathering that has played a vital role in fostering cooperation and development in the agriculture and forestry sectors among the ten ASEAN member countries.
Since its inception in 1968, the event has been instrumental in shaping the region’s agricultural policies and initiatives, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, this year Malaysia plays host to the event scheduled for October 2-6, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur.
AMAF was established as part of the broader ASEAN framework to enhance agricultural and forestry collaboration among member nations. Originally focusing on food production and supply, its scope expanded in 1977 to include agriculture and forestry. Today, the event addresses critical areas such as food security, food safety, halal food, crops, livestock, agricultural training and development, agricultural cooperatives, and joint promotion schemes for forest products.
The event comprises various working groups, with each group dedicated to specific agricultural and forestry topics. These working groups are supported by representatives from relevant departments and agencies, fostering multi-sectoral cooperation and coordination. Guests can expect strategic dialogues with partners including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
The overarching vision of ASEAN Cooperation in the agriculture and food sector, as outlined by AMAF, is to create a “competitive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (FAF) Sector.” To achieve this vision, six key goals have been formulated:, Ensure equitable, sustainable, and inclusive growth., Reduce poverty and eradicate hunger., Ensure food safety, food security, and better nutrition, Deepen regional integration, and Increase access to global markets. At the same time increase resilience and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, natural disasters, and other shocks.
These goals reflect a commitment to fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and addressing environmental challenges.
The theme for the 45th AMAF Meeting is “Growing Together: Advancing ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry for Sustainable Development.” The theme underscores the importance of sustainability in the agriculture and forestry sectors and aligns with ASEAN’s aim to become a single market and producer center for competitive and sustainable regional food, agriculture, and forestry products.
Among the yey Objectives for this year’s event is, to increase the quantity and quality of sustainable production through the adoption of green technology. Discuss efforts to improve trade facilitation in agriculture and forestry, focusing on aspects of sanitation and phytosanitary measures, economic integration, and market access. Enhance the resilience of both sectors to climate change, natural disasters, and unpredictable crises to ensure regional food security.
The attendees of the 45th AMAF Meeting will include the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Malaysia, as the host country, will play a pivotal role in guiding the discussions and deliberations during the event.
