WFO contributed to the FAO RENOFARM Symposium in Chongqing, emphasising the role of farmers as partners in advancing efforts to reduce antimicrobial use in agrifood systems.

The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) brought the farmers’ perspective on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the 2nd International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation. The event was co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences on 28–29 April 2026 in Chongqing, China.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Actions and Scaling Solutions to Reduce Antimicrobial Need for Sustainable and Resilient Agrifood-Livestock-Aquaculture Systems,” the Symposium convened representatives from governments, producers’ organisations, academia, the private sector, and international organisations.

The Symposium took stock of progress under the FAO-led RENOFARM initiative and advanced practical, scalable pathways to reduce antimicrobial use in agrifood systems, with a focus on implementation and cross-sector coordination.

Aligning Policy and Practice on AMR

WFO Secretary General Andrea Porro contributed to the High-level Dialogue “Leadership for Change — Aligning Policy and Practice on AMR,” held on 28 April.

The discussion addressed the structural, economic, and policy barriers that sustain AMR in agrifood systems. Speakers highlighted the need for coherent regulatory frameworks, targeted incentive structures, and stronger cross-sector coordination.

WFO underlined that reducing the need for antimicrobials is a matter of conditions, not willingness.

“Farmers are not indifferent to antimicrobial resistance. They are committed to ensuring sustainable livestock production with healthy and productive animals,” Porro stressed, reflecting the position of WFO members worldwide.

©FAO

Improving animal health through preventive measures requires enabling environments that are not yet equally in place across regions, while maintaining access to treatment remains essential to safeguard animal, human and environmental health and welfare.

Three structural gaps continue to limit progress. Access to veterinary advice and services remains uneven, particularly in lower-resource settings, restricting farmers’ ability to apply antimicrobials in a targeted and responsible manner. The economic imbalance between prevention and treatment continues to shape decisions at the farm level, as preventive measures require upfront investment and long-term commitment, while treatment remains the more accessible short-term option. In addition, the lack of recognition along the value chain means that farmers investing in responsible practices do not always see these efforts reflected or rewarded.

To address these constraints, aligned incentives are needed. Farmers need targeted financial support during the transition period, as reducing antimicrobial use can lead to short-term losses before systems stabilise. Technical investment in veterinary capacity, diagnostics, and vaccine access is essential. As discussed, “You cannot steward what you cannot diagnose.”

From a market perspective, transparent and accessible systems should recognise and reward responsible practices without creating barriers for farmers. WFO emphasised that farmer organisations are a key delivery mechanism, enabling peer-to-peer knowledge transfer and support implementation at scale.

Farmers at the Centre of the Transition

WFO stressed that progress should be measured by improvements in the conditions for responsible antimicrobial use, rather than by reductions. This includes stronger animal health outcomes, increased access to veterinary advice and diagnostics, and functioning support systems for farmers, including training, advisory services and financial mechanisms.

In the short term, priorities include strengthening veterinary services, investing in farmer knowledge, and aligning incentives to support the transition. Additionally, maintaining a balanced approach will ensure prudent use and continued access to treatment.

WFO’s participation builds on its ongoing engagement on antimicrobial resistance, including its contribution to the UN General Assembly High-level Meeting on AMR in 2024.

WFO Secretary General stated, “We need to stop designing policy for farmers and start designing policy with farmers.”

Fully engaging farmers and their organisations as partners in designing and implementing solutions is vital to ensure global strategies translate into practical, scalable change at the farm level.

Cover photo by ©FAO