Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is an esteemed international body that has been at the forefront of initiatives to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure food security around the globe since its founding in 1945. Based in Rome, Italy, the FAO facilitates international agricultural cooperation and maintains a vital role in global food systems.

Location

FAO Headquarters: Rome, Italy

Financial Indicators

For the 2022-2023 biennium, the FAO operates with a budget of approximately USD 3.2 billion. This is funded through a regular budget, which receives contributions from its member nations accounting for about 43% of the total. The remainder of the budget is covered through voluntary contributions. This financial structure supports FAO's diverse activities designed to bolster global food security.

Important Events

A noteworthy recent collaboration includes a partnership between the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on enhancing animal surveillance in reaction to the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. This collaboration is pivotal in advancing methods for detecting, preventing, and controlling avian influenza, which poses risks to both animal and human health. These efforts by FAO, in conjunction with WHO, are essential for sustaining food security and protecting public health at a global level.

Company Plans

In line with its mission, FAO is continually striving to overcome hunger and promote sustainable agricultural practices for the future. The organization's strategic plans are centered on bolstering international partnerships and pioneering innovative solutions to address emerging food security issues such as those resultant from climate change and pandemics like avian influenza. One significant plan involves enhancing livestock productivity, aiming to drastically reduce the global use of antibiotics, critical to achieving a sustainable agricultural future.

Food Price Observations

In April 2025, the FAO documented an uptick in the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), reaching 128.3 points. This increase was propelled by higher prices in cereals, dairy, and meat, though offset by declines in sugar and vegetable oil prices. Such metrics are crucial for formulating responses to the ongoing fluctuations in global food markets.

Sources: Official FAO Website: www.fao.org, FAO's Biennial Programme of Work and Budget 2022-2023, World Health Organization (WHO) collaborations and reports.

Modified: 2025/05/09

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