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Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department (AG)

The FAO Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department (AG) strives to strengthen the role of agriculture in reducing hunger and poverty while safeguarding the natural resource base and the environment. In a holistic manner, the AG Department works with partners to address the range of issues that affect food from farm to table including: improved production; management and conservation of crops and livestock; plant and animal pest and disease prevention and response; food safety and quality; and agricultural research and extension.

AG is at the center of FAO’s technical expertise in agriculture and consumer protection, providing expert advice and contributing to the development of global public goods in support of FAO’s strategic objectives and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Functions

Animal Production and Health (AGA)

Supports countries to strengthen the contribution of the livestock sector towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as animal rearing on farms can be effective at reducing hunger and poverty. The Division encourages all livestock producers to sustainably grow the sector.

Contact: Mr Berhe Tekola
Divisional web page

Plant Production and Protection (AGP)

Supports countries to develop sustainable crop production systems. Crop productivity is enhanced using the Save & Grow approach to grow healthy, resilient crops while protecting natural resources and harnessing ecosystem services. This is supported by prevention focused, integrated pest management.

Contact: Mr Hans Dreyer
Divisional web page

Food Chain Crisis Management Framework (FCC)

Fosters collaboration in the global governance of transboundary threats to the food chain. Using a multidisciplinary approach, FCC helps prevent or effectively respond to animal and plant pests and diseases and food safety issues.

Contact: Mr Gouantoueu Guei

FCC web page

Food Safety and Quality (AGFF)

Provides independent scientific advice to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and supports member countries in developing their capacities to effectively manage food safety and quality.

Contact: Ms Renata Clarke

Joint FAO/IAEA Division for Nuclear Techniques (AGE)

Supports and promotes the safe and appropriate use of nuclear and related technologies in food and agriculture by the member countries of both FAO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to contribute to global food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Contact: Mr Qu Liang
Divisional web page

Research and Extension (AGDR)

Support countries to achieve food security, economic development and sustainable natural resource management by unlocking the potential of agricultural innovation. More specifically, AGDR focuses on facilitating the transformation of national Agriculture Innovation Systems through targeted policy, capacity development, knowledge and rural advisory services interventions, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact: Mr Samy Gaiji

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

Develops harmonized international food standards to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade; the Secretariat is hosted by FAO. Codex is part of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme which is run in partnership with the World Health Organization.

Contact: Mr Tom Heilandt

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)

Hosted by FAO as an Article XVI Body, the International Plant Protection Convention Secretariat supports the implementation of an international treaty that aims to protect the world's cultivated and wild plants from the introduction and spread of plant pests.

Contact: Mr Jingyuan Xia
Convention web site