After much anticipation, The official launch of the 2016 International Year of Pulses (IYP) will be held at FAO Headquarters on 10 November from 11 am to 12:30 pm (CET). The launch of the International Year of Pulses will mark the conclusion of the Year of Soil, which is appropriate as pulse crops produce a number of different compounds that feed soil microbes and benefit soil health. Pulses emit nitrogen into soils, making them a sustainable and nutrient-rich crop.
The International Year of Pulses Launch ceremony will mark the beginning of a year-long initiative to raise awareness about the important crops and their many benefits. In addition to official remarks given by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, representatives from member states, UN agencies, the private sector, civil society and farmers’ organizations will speak to the importance of pulses and the aims of the year. The Permanent Representatives of Turkey and Pakistan, who serve as co-chairs of the IYP Steering Committee, will provide opening and closing remarks for the ceremony. Visit the FAO IYP website for more information.
The launch will be webcast live here. A video of the event will be posted shortly thereafter.
Sign up for the Twitter Thunderclap to show your support for the year! The thunderclap will automatically share a tweet from your account at the time of the launch, stating your support for IYP.