What Is the Food a൲nd Agriculture Organi🥀zation (FAO)?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a United Nations (UN) agency that works on international efforts to defeat hunger by developing agriculture. Established in 1945, the FAO is a neutral intergovernmental organization.

Understanding the FAO

The FAO contributes to international efforts to defeat hunger and improve local economies by helping member cou♕ntries modernize and improve agriculture, forestry, and fishery practices. It provides information and supports sustainable agriculture through legislation and national strategies. Funding comes from industrialized countries, development banks, and other sources.

Serving 194 member nations, two associate members, and the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization is a neutral forum where countries negotiate agreements and debate policy. Its headquarters is in Rome, Italy with offices in more than 130 countries, employing over 11,561 staff members.

FAO Departments

• The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department helps eradicate human poverty while protecting the environment and ensuring safe food practices and standards.
• The Climate, Biodiversity, Land, and Water Department promotes sustainable management practices for land, soils, energy, water, biodiversity, and genetic resources.
• The Corporate Services Department supports the FAO organization.
• The Economic and Social Development Department aids economic development through internal production and trade.
• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department oversees the management of aquaculture and fishing.
• The Forestry Department promotes the management of resources through forestry.
• The Technical Cooperation and Programme Management Department supports member countries in their programs and responds to food and agriculture-related threats and crises.

FAO Initiatives

The Food and Agriculture Organization strives to help member countries become independent in providing sufficient food to their indigenous population and become active trade partners with other countries. Focusing on൲ the types of food products suitable and prevalent for each country, the FAO works within local cultures with local staff to improve existing practices while leaving local economies intact.

The FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 includes efficient, inclusive, and sustainable systems for 🐽better production, nutrition, envꦍironment, and life:

• Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns at local, regional, and global levels through sustainable agri-food systems.
• Achieve food security and end hunger by promoting nutritious food and increasing access to healthy diets.
• Protect, restore, and promote the use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
• Promote inclusive economic growth by reducing inequalities.

The Bottom Line

Since 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has worked on global efforts to defeat hunger by developing sustainable agriculture. The FAO is a United Nations agency funded by industrialized countries and public-private partnerships. Its strategies focus on four principles, including better production, better nutꦿrition, a better environ🌄ment, and a better life.