Committee on Commodity Problems

The subsidiary Intergovernmental Groups (IGGs) of the CCP were established to focus on trade issues for individual commodities. Coverage has shifted over time to reflect changing market and institutional factors affecting commodities – from distribution issues to new emerging issues, such as surplus and price volatility. 

Both producer and consumer countries take part in the IGG forums for intergovernmental consultation and exchange on trends in production, consumption, trade and prices of key commodities. This includes regular appraisal of global markets and the short-term outlook. The IGGs consider changes in policies, and examine the effects in terms of current and prospective markets.

Events were frequently organized – some of which now are held in an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic – in conjunction with the IGG forums. The aim of these events was to facilitate a dialogue among FAO delegates, international policy makers and the private sector.

Attendance

The IGG Sessions are open to official delegates and observers only - appointed by an FAO Member Nation or an Associate Member. Delegations from other UN Members, which are not Members or Associate Members of FAO, may also attend sessions as an observer.

How to become an IGG delegate or observer

The IGG Sessions are open to official delegates and observers only. The term delegates refers to persons appointed by an FAO Member Nation or an Associate Member to attend the session, including alternates, associates and advisers.

Delegations* from nations which are not Member Nations or Associate Members of FAO, but are Members of the United Nations, or any of its Specialized Agencies, may request to attend FAO sessions with observer status.

*The credentials of delegates, alternates, associates and advisers, and of the representatives of participating international organizations shall, as far as possible, be deposited with the Director-General. The credentials of delegates, alternates, associates and advisers shall be issued by, or on behalf of, the Head of State, the Head of Government, the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister concerned. A Permanent Representative to the Organization does not require special credentials if his/her letter of accreditation to the Organization specifies that he/she is authorized to represent his/her government at sessions of the Conference, it being understood that this would not preclude the Government from accrediting another delegate or delegates.