Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, commonly known as FAO, is a United Nations specialized agency focused on food security, agriculture and the sustainable management of natural resources. Established in 1945, it operates from headquarters in Rome and works with governments, regional institutions, civil society, research bodies and other international organizations across the world. Its mandate covers food and nutrition, crops and livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, land and water resources, agricultural trade, rural development and the resilience of food systems. FAO is not a commercial food company or a financial institution. It functions primarily as an intergovernmental source of technical expertise, policy advice, statistics, standards support and capacity-building. The organization assists countries in designing agricultural and rural-development policies, improving production and value chains, strengthening food-safety systems, managing natural resources and responding to threats such as plant and animal diseases, climate-related shocks and other emergencies. It also supports national and international efforts to reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty connected with fragile food systems. A central part of FAO's role is the collection, analysis and dissemination of information. Its work includes agricultural and food statistics, assessments of production and markets, technical publications, policy studies and indicators used by governments and international agencies. These information services help decision-makers evaluate food availability, agricultural conditions, rural livelihoods and progress toward global development objectives. FAO also contributes to international frameworks and standards. It works with partners in the United Nations system and elsewhere on food safety, plant health, animal health, biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, forestry and responsible agricultural practices. Much of this work is delivered through country programmes, regional cooperation, emergency assistance and long-term development projects rather than through consumer-facing products. The organization's modern positioning combines hunger reduction with sustainability and resilience. FAO's agenda therefore extends beyond increasing agricultural output: it also considers nutrition, environmental pressures, climate adaptation, biodiversity, resource efficiency, rural employment and the ability of food systems to withstand disruption. Its membership-based structure means that priorities and governance are shaped by participating governments rather than by shareholders or commercial owners. FAO remains active internationally as a technical and policy institution within the United Nations system.

FAO was established in 1945 in the aftermath of the Second World War, when governments were seeking durable international mechanisms to address hunger, agricultural disruption and food insecurity. Its creation reflected the view that food and agriculture required coordinated international expertise, information exchange and policy cooperation rather than isolated national responses. Rome became the organization's headquarters and remains its institutional base. During its development, FAO built a broad mandate covering crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, land, water, nutrition and rural development. The organization evolved from an institution principally associated with agricultural production into one that also addresses the quality, safety, sustainability and resilience of food systems. This broader approach recognizes that hunger is influenced not only by the amount of food produced, but also by access, income, nutrition, infrastructure, conflict, environmental conditions and the stability of markets and institutions. A major historical function has been the creation and maintenance of shared knowledge. FAO collects national data, publishes assessments and develops technical guidance used by governments, researchers and international organizations. Its statistical and analytical work supports comparisons across countries and helps identify trends in production, trade, nutrition and natural-resource use. This information role complements its operational work, including technical cooperation, emergency support and assistance with national policy design. FAO has also worked with other international bodies to develop or support norms and standards affecting agriculture and food. Its partnerships span food safety, plant protection, animal health, fisheries management, forestry, biodiversity and sustainable development. These activities have helped make the organization a coordinating platform for issues that cross national borders and cannot be managed effectively by one country alone. In the twenty-first century, FAO's work has increasingly been framed around transformation of food systems. Climate change, biodiversity loss, land and water pressures, conflict, disease outbreaks and economic shocks have increased attention to resilience and sustainability. FAO's current role combines technical expertise, data, policy support, country programmes and international coordination. It remains an active United Nations specialized agency whose institutional purpose is public and developmental rather than commercial.

• 1945

  FAO is established

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  The Food and Agriculture Organization is established as an intergovernmental institution dedicated to international cooperation on food and agriculture.

An intergovernmental technical and knowledge institution that helps countries improve food security, nutrition, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and the sustainability of food systems.

• Data and statistics

  FAOSTAT

  FAO's statistical information services provide data and analytical resources covering food, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related areas. They are intended for governments, researchers, institutions and the public, supporting evidence-based policy development and assessment of food and agricultural conditions.

• Development and technical assistance

  Technical cooperation programmes

  FAO works with countries and partners through technical assistance, capacity-building and policy support. Programmes may address agricultural production, food security, nutrition, rural livelihoods, fisheries, forestry, natural-resource management, resilience and emergency response.

• Research and knowledge

  Food and agriculture publications

  The organization produces assessments, reports, standards-related materials, technical guidance and policy analysis. These publications disseminate evidence and practical guidance on food systems, agriculture, nutrition, natural resources and sustainable development.

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