The Asian Farmers’ Group for Cooperation (AFGC) has been formed by JA Zenchu – Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Japan during 1999 to exchange views on agriculture and trade policies, strengthening functions of farmers’ organization & Cooperatives and advocacy of Asian farmers. India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are permanent members of this forum.
The AFGC is annually organising its meeting and arranging various seminars/conferences on WTO, Food Security, Rural / Agricultural development and other related livelihood issues.
The main theme of the meeting is “Role of Agricultural Cooperatives & Farmers Organization in attaining Food Security through sustainable Agriculture”. Based on above main theme, the AFGC members will share their experiences.
The major thrust would be on the two sub-themes viz. (i) Role of Agricultural Cooperatives and Farmers’ Organisations in preserving sustainable soil and (ii) Role of Agricultural Cooperatives and Farmers’ Organisations in promotion of production of nutritious crops and enlightenment of consumers to shift to sustainable food habit. AFGC members from India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are expected to attend the meeting.