Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalat Santivarangkna, Director of Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, participated in the 3rd OCOP Regional Organizing Group (ROG) Meeting, held from 18–20 November 2025 in Samoa, in his role as Vice-Chair of the OCOP-ROG for the Asia-Pacific region. During the meeting, he delivered a lecture on “The Role of the Institute of Nutrition in Harnessing the Potential of Agricultural Products from Each Country Toward Healthy Food.”
The One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), promotes the development of high-quality local agricultural products that hold national importance. The initiative aims to add value to distinctive local products, contribute to sustainable food system development, enhance farmer income, and create new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. It underscores the importance of science, innovation, and global cooperation in driving food security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his remarks, Dr. Chalat emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and progressive nutrition research in developing local agricultural products that support better health and quality of life. His key messages aligned with FAO’s Four Betters framework: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.
The meeting also announced the establishment of the OCOP Center of Excellence for the Asia-Pacific, jointly initiated by the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resource Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGSNRR, CAS), and the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University. The Center will focus on advancing regional efforts toward Better Environment and Better Nutrition.
