Global perspective Human stories

UN food agency launches 'Rice is Life' photography contest

UN food agency launches 'Rice is Life' photography contest

With rice feeding more than half the world’s population and providing income for millions of rice processors and traders, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today launched a global photography contest as part of a year-long campaign to promote improved production and access to this vital crop.

With rice feeding more than half the world's With rice feeding more than half the world's population and providing income for millions of rice processors and traders, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today launched a global photography contest as part of a year-long campaign to promote improved production and access to this vital crop.

As 2004 is the UN International Year of Rice (IYR), professional and amateur photographers are invited to capture the "Rice is Life" theme in photographs submitted by 30 July illustrating the rich diversity of regions, people and resources linked to the food.

"Development of sustainable rice-based systems will reduce poverty and hunger, and contribute to environmental conservation and a better life for present and future generations," Rome-based FAO said in a statement.

IYR is planning to include prize-winning photographs and a selection of other entries in a travelling exhibition. First-prize winners will be flown to FAO headquarters to be honoured at a special event held in conjunction with World Food Day on 15 October 2004.

Nital S.p.A, the exclusive distributor of Nikon products in Italy, is supporting the IYR initiative by sponsoring the contest and providing winners with Nikon products.

Participants may submit slides, prints or digital images in either black and white or colour. Entry is free, and there are separate categories for professional and amateur photographers.