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World Union of Wholesale Markets

16 May 2024, Video Message by Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM): 'Wholesale markets at the forefront of food supply chain innovation: How can technologies make markets more relevant, more efficient, and more diversified?'

Language English

Duration 6m3s

Edit Version Full Mix

Video Type Video Message

Date 05/16/2024 12:00 AM

File size 663.22 MB

Unique ID UF164GO

Production details and shotlist

UNFAO Source FAO Video

Script Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. FAO greatly values its longstanding collaboration with the World Union of Wholesale Markets.
2. Global agrifood systems have been facing various and simultaneous shocks since the COVID-19
pandemic,
3. Hindering the ability to provide sufficient and nutritious food for a growing global population,
4. And affecting food availability, food accessibility and food affordability.
5. Furthermore, approximately 57% of the total global population currently lives in urban areas,
but by 2050 this is expected to reach about 70%.
6. And 70% of the global food supply is currently consumed in urban areas.
7. There is, therefore, an urgent need to transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient,
more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.
8. Wholesale markets are a key leverage point for this transformation.
9. In January this year, during my visit to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, I visited the Talad Thai
Wholesale Market, the biggest wholesale market for agrifood products in the country, and an
important hub for distribution of fruits and vegetables to the neighboring countries.
10. When this type of wholesale food markets functions well, they can be a vital entry point for all
partners throughout the supply chain.
11. Benefits of wholesale agrifood markets include:
 improved market access for producers and distribution from producer to consumers;
 better information exchange for value chain efficiency and transparent transactions; and
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 participatory governance of agrifood systems.
12. Investing in an improved wholesale market infrastructure improves the supply of fresh
products, reduces the cost of nutritious foods, thereby improving food security and nutrition.
13. This is especially important in view of the rapidly growing rates of urbanization and the
changing consumer preferences and lifestyles.
14. Investing in improved wholesale markets also facilitates compliance with food safety and
quality standards,
15. And improves returns to local farmers, expanding income-generating opportunities and off-
farm employment, especially for women and youth.
16. It also helps in reducing food loss and waste.
17. Technological innovations are critical for the optimal functioning of wholesale agrifood
markets, as well as the agrifood systems in which they operate.
18. These range from digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Internet-
of-Things, to technologies for post-harvest handling and processing such as:
 Sensors to help maintain optimal conditions of temperature and humidity within wholesale
markets and during transportation; and
 Measuring and monitoring food loss and food waste through technologies like FAO’s Food
Loss App that supports wholesale markets and other value chain actors to make informed
decisions.
19. Technologies can also help to streamline and increase the efficiency of logistics and distribution
operations, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
20. And an adequate technology base can facilitate diversification and specialization to expand
beyond traditional fruits and vegetables to other types of products.
21. We must look for win-win solutions, for people and the planet.
22. This means looking at the cost of these technologies and the financing mechanisms that make
them available and inclusive,
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23. As well as reducing the environmental footprint through increasing energy efficiency,
promoting renewable energy, and promoting sustainable use and management of natural
resources such as water.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
24. FAO has a long history of supporting wholesale agrifood market development and we have
several flagship initiatives to strengthen our supports to Members including:
25. The country-led and country-owned FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative that I have launched in 2019,
which aims to eradicate hunger and poverty using an advanced geospatial platform, data and
modelling to provide a comprehensive view of economic opportunities and improve the
targeting and tailoring of interventions and investments.
26. And the FAO One Country One Priority Product Initiative which facilitates the development of
sustainable and inclusive value chains of agricultural products, particularly for family farming
and smallholder farmers, by unlocking the untapped potential of agricultural products, and
identifying and addressing gaps in the value chain.
27. FAO has also conducted numerous studies on wholesale markets, including in collaboration
with the World Union of Wholesale Markets and other partners, to better understand
challenges and opportunities.
Dear Colleagues,
28. I would like to reaffirm FAO’s commitment to continue to work with all partners for agrifood
systems transformation for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a
better life, leaving no one behind.
29. I wish you a successful and productive conference.
30. Thank you.

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