Food and Agriculture Organization

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy.

History

FAO was established on 16 October 1945, in Quebec City, Canada. The idea of an international organization for food and agriculture emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century, advanced primarily by the US agriculturalist and activist David Lubin.

Structure

FAO is composed of seven departments: Agriculture and Consumer Protection; Economic and Social Development; Fisheries and Aquaculture; Forestry; Corporate Services, Human Resources and Finance; Programme Support and Technical Cooperation; and a seventh department designed to help countries tackle climate change.

Functions

FAO's mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy. It also provides assistance to developing countries, through the "FAO Technical Cooperation Programme", which helps countries bring about sustainable increases in agriculture and fisheries production.

Criticism

FAO has been criticized by various groups, but the organization says it is addressing its problems.

See also

• World Food Programme
• International Fund for Agricultural Development
• World Bank
• United Nations Development Programme

External links

• Official website

Food and Agriculture Organization Resources
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