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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Official website

Food and Agriculture Organization Resources
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