What is the main goal of the FAO's Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES)?

The main goal of the FAO's Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) is to protect livestock from diseases. This initiative is focused on preventing and controlling the outbreak of animal diseases that can have significant adverse impacts on food security, rural livelihoods, and the economy. The EMPRES program works by implementing a range of activities, including surveillance, early warning systems, and response strategies, to manage and mitigate the risks posed by infectious diseases in animals.

Given the critical role that livestock plays in many communities, particularly in developing countries, safeguarding against disease outbreaks helps ensure that people maintain their food sources and economic stability. This approach not only supports animal health but also contributes to public health by reducing the chances of zoonotic diseases—those that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The other options, while important in their own right, do not align with the specific mission of the EMPRES initiative. For example, establishing trade agreements, improving soil quality, and financing agricultural projects may have indirect benefits for food systems and health, but they are not the direct focus of the EMPRES program.