FAO Marks World Food Day in North Macedonia

Skopje, 16 October, 2024 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy, celebrated World Food Day today under the theme ‘’Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future: Leave No One Behind’’.

As part of the event, participants visited the "Domesno Pile" poultry farm owned by farmer Toni Dimevski in the village of Ognjanci, municipality of Petrovec, commonly known as Toni's Farm, which has been in operation since 1999. The event aimed to highlight the critical contribution of smallholder farmers, who produce approximately one-third of the world’s food.

“We must raise the visibility of our ‘Food Heroes’ and strengthen support for small farms, which play a pivotal role in ensuring the production of healthy, quality, and affordable food for all citizens. By empowering them, we enhance competitiveness, create jobs, and improve living conditions in rural areas,” said Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy Cvetan Tripunovski during his welcoming remarks. “Our policies focus on guaranteeing equal access to nutritious and safe food for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable groups in society," he added.

In his address, Professor Mile Markoski, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food – Skopje, emphasized the vital role of domestic agricultural production, not only in ensuring food security but also in contributing to economic growth and environmental protection. He urged young generations to view agriculture as a dynamic, rewarding, and long-term career path, one through which they can actively help build sustainable food systems. "Agriculture is not just a profession," he said, "but a mission that directly impacts the future of food, human health, and the protection of our planet."

Kristina Mitic Arsova, FAO National Programme Coordinator, highlighted the significance of World Food Day, observed every year on October 16, marking the establishment of FAO in 1945. “This day is dedicated to raising awareness of global hunger and urging collective action to build a sustainable future for food, people, and the planet,” she noted. She also acknowledged an important milestone this year—the 20th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Right to Food, a fundamental human right recognized in international law, which FAO has actively promoted. "With collective action in over 150 countries, World Food Day remains one of the most important dates on the United Nations calendar," Mitic Arsova said.

Achieving these goals requires a strong commitment, innovation, and collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society. Only through joint efforts can we ensure that everyone has access to safe, diverse, and nutritious food, paving the way for a better future for all.

Toni Dimevski, who started with egg production, transitioned to raising laying hens, and since 2008 has specialized in broiler production, shared his journey. Beginning with processing just 250 chickens, he now processes 20,000 chickens per month—250,000 per year—all for the domestic market. As the event host, Toni, alongside his 13-year-old grandson Maxim, who actively participates in the family business, presented the four modern facilities for growing broiler chicks, equipped with advanced, energy-efficient technologies for automatic feeding, water supply, ventilation, and heating. Toni also discussed his plans to expand, with six more facilities under construction to double production. Additionally, he is building a new slaughterhouse for processing and distributing fresh chicken to markets and butcher shops. To ensure the health of his chickens, Toni produces his own feed, ensuring it is nutritious and homemade.

"Toni’s Farm is a true family enterprise, with every member—including my wife, sons, and their families—contributing to its success. Together, we work hard and continuously improve, striving to ensure sustainability, build consumer trust, and guarantee the high quality of our domestic products while passing on the business to future generations,” Toni Dimevski shared. For him, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a family tradition and a deep commitment to producing high-quality, locally sourced food and promoting healthy eating habits.

The event gathered over 50 participants, including representatives from various institutions, academia, farmers’ associations, international organizations, and students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Radmila Slavkova

Communications and Monitoring Officer, FAO
Ul. Aminta Treti 2, 1000 Skopje
radmila.slavkova @fao.org 
Tel.: +389 71 21 23 08