Driving the news:
A scientific roundtable titled “Climate-Adaptive Smart Livestock Farming” was held on Monday in Tehran, bringing together representatives from 10 member states of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), along with ambassadors from several Persian Gulf countries.
Hosted by Iran’s Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), the meeting focused on exchanging scientific insights and practical experiences to strengthen cooperation among Islamic countries in livestock and food security.
Why it matters:
Food security in many countries—particularly those located in arid and semi-arid regions—is increasingly threatened by climate change, water scarcity, and rising production costs. Iran says climate-smart livestock systems can help enhance resilience, productivity, and regional food security.
The big picture:
Iran is positioning scientific cooperation and knowledge-sharing among Muslim countries as a strategic response to climate-driven pressures on agriculture, while showcasing its own research capacity in livestock science, animal health, and biotechnology.
What he's saying:
Iran’s deputy agriculture minister, Gholamreza Golmohammadi, said the meeting was “a valuable opportunity for scientific and technical synergy among Islamic countries.”
“Food security in the Islamic world is not merely an economic or technical issue, but a strategic, human and ethical matter rooted in our religious teachings on justice, sustainability of resources and the preservation of human dignity,” he said.
He emphasized that the livestock sector—especially in dry and semi-arid regions—faces significant challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, increased production costs, and environmental threats.
“The development of smart, climate-adaptive livestock farming as a modern approach can play an effective role in increasing productivity, reducing producers’ vulnerability, enhancing resilience, and ultimately strengthening food security,” Golmohammadi said.
Key points:
- Climate change poses growing risks to livestock production across the Islamic world.
- Smart livestock systems can improve efficiency and reduce climate vulnerability.
- Regional and international cooperation is essential for sustainable agricultural development.
- IOFS is seen by Iran as a suitable platform for joint scientific and investment initiatives.
Zoom in:
Golmohammadi highlighted Iran’s long-standing research infrastructure, noting that AREEO oversees institutions with more than a century of experience.
He said the organization includes: 21 national institutes and centers, 34 provincial research, education, and extension centers, around 2,000 faculty members and researchers and more than 8,000 staff.
According to him, this makes AREEO “one of the largest and most unique agricultural research complexes in West Asia.”
Between the lines:
By emphasizing Iran’s scientific capacity and institutional depth, Tehran is signaling readiness to play a leading role in regional agricultural innovation while seeking broader cooperation beyond national borders.
Go deeper:
FAO Rep. in Iran: Climate Change Affects Whole Region
Zohre Khazaee - Mahboubeh Habibi
