A press release published by UNICEF Timor-Leste on 12 August 2026 reported that the Government of Timor-Leste, the European Union, WFP, ILO and UNICEF launched a farmer training initiative in Covalima Municipality. As described at that date, the effort aimed to strengthen local food systems, improve nutrition and expand access to social protection. The event in Suai brought together EU Ambassador Thorsten Bargfrede, representatives of several ministries and municipal authorities, and WFP, ILO and UNICEF representatives.

The training was reported to support selected farmer groups and cooperatives to become suppliers for the National School Feeding Programme through the Home-Grown School Feeding approach. Farmers received training on sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling and financial literacy, and were introduced to the Social Security Contributory Scheme. Experts from MALFF, SECoop and INSS facilitated. Participants also took part in a field demonstration in Suai Loro Administrative Post on practices including compost production, crop rotation and seedling management, and the delegation visited the Suai Villa Community Health Centre to observe UNICEF-supported nutrition services.

The release stated the initiative reflected partnership among the Government, the EU and UN agencies, with a $10 million EU contribution supporting efforts to build more resilient communities across Timor-Leste.