FAO - C 2011/REPORT

1. Mr Kofi Annan, Chairperson of the Board, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, delivered the 27^th McDougall Memorial Lecture in memory of Frank Lidgett McDougall, a founding father of the Organization.

Presentation of B.R. Sen Award ^{^[2]}

2. The B.R. Sen Award 2010 was conferred jointly on Mr Ad Spijkers (Netherlands) for his outstanding contribution while serving as FAO Representative in Bangladesh and to Mr Jean François Gascon (France) for his significant contribution while serving as FAO Emergency Coordinator for Rwanda.

Presentation of A.H. Boerma Award ^{^[3]}

3. The A.H. Boerma Award 2010-2011 was conferred on Mr Javier Blas of the Financial Times (United Kingdom) in acknowledgement of his substantial contribution to informing the general public about issues related to food and agricultural production.

Presentation of Edouard Saouma Award ^{^[4]}

4. The Edouard Saouma Award for 2010-2011 was conferred jointly on the State Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the Forest Management Bureau of the Philippines for their outstanding role in the implementation of TCP projects on, respectively, “Strengthening Capacity on Aquaculture Health Management” and “Advancing the Application of Assisted Natural Regeneration for Effective Low-cost Forest Restoration”.

Margarita Lizárraga Medal ^{^[5]}

5. The Margarita Lizárraga Medal for 2010-2011 was awarded to the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) in recognition of its significant contribution to sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia and Pacific Region.

Tribute to Jacques Diouf ^{^[6]}

6. The Conference paid tribute to the Director-General, Dr Jacques Diouf, for his stewardship of the Organization and his remarkable achievements in the course of his three successful terms.

7. Recognizing Dr Jacques Diouf’s outstanding leadership, personal engagement, and untiring advocacy in the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition to achieve food security worldwide, with great dedication, competence and energy, the Conference adopted the following Resolution:

Appreciating the eminent services rendered by Dr Jacques Diouf to the Organization throughout his three terms as Director-General, a period during which the world was faced with food insecurity, food price instability and climate change challenges of exceptional magnitude and unprecedented complexity;

Recalling that under the able guidance of Dr Jacques Diouf, the Organization has taken major steps towards solving these problems by ensuring that agriculture is back on the global agenda, as exemplified by its many initiatives towards world food security and enhanced nutritional status. Major achievements include the convening of summits and conferences on food security and sustainable agriculture and rural development, most importantly the World Food Summit of 1996; the special programmes for food security prepared at national level and implemented to help small farmers increase productivity and production, often with the benefit of South-South Cooperation; the National Medium-Term Investment Programmes and Bankable Investment Project Profiles prepared in the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP); the programme for Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases including the collaborative process to eradicate rinderpest; and the significant international treaties and instruments that have been concluded under FAO auspices, including the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the revised Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade;

Recognizing Dr Jacques Diouf’s strong commitment to reform and the initiatives taken throughout his tenure to enhance the Organization’s capacity to better play its part in defeating hunger and attaining food security;

Expressing its deep gratitude to Dr Jacques Diouf for his outstanding services to the Organization, and for his unfailing dedication to the aims and ideals of FAO:

1) Decides that a “Jacques Diouf Award for Food Security” be established as a continuing tribute to Dr Jacques Diouf;

2) Agrees that the terms and conditions of the Jacques Diouf Award for Food Security be as follows:

a) Eligibility to the award: individuals or institutions, either national or regional, can be nominated for the award if they have, in the course of the biennium preceding the Conference, made a significant contribution for the improvement of global food security;

b) Nature of the award: the award will consist of a scroll describing the recipient's achievements, a medal inscribed with the name of the recipient, and a cash prize in the amount of USD 25 000;

c) Selection of winners: the winners will be chosen by a Selection Committee chaired by the Director-General and comprising the Independent Chairperson of the Council, the Chairperson of the Finance Committee and the Chairperson of the Programme Committee. The Committee will make its selection from a short-list of three nominations drawn up by an ad hoc interdepartmental Screening Committee;

d) Conferment of the award: the award will be presented by the Director-General at each regular session of the Conference to the individual recipient or a representative of the recipient institution, who will be invited to FAO Headquarters in Rome for the ceremony, with the Organization bearing the cost of travel and per diem.

Statement by a representative of FAO Staff Bodies ^{^[7]}

8. A member of the Union of General Service Staff spoke on behalf of the two Staff Representative Bodies. She paid tribute to the Director-General and congratulated the Director-General Elect. She emphasized the importance of consultation, communication and dialogue. She also highlighted the Staff Representative Bodies’ contribution to Human Resources policies on performance and mobility, while noting that progress was still needed on career development. She underlined the need for dialogue on General Service conditions of employment and the willingness of staff to contribute to culture change and streamlining.

In Memoriam ^{^[8]}

9. The Conference observed one minute of silence in memory of those staff members who had died since the Conference had last met. The names of the deceased staff members were read aloud and are contained in the Verbatim Records of the Conference.

Election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons ^{^[9]}

10. The Council nominated and the Conference elected Mr Tefera Derbew (Ethiopia) as Chairperson of the 37^thSession of the Conference.

11. The Council nominated and the Conference elected the three Vice-Chairpersons
of the Conference: Mr Juan Camilo Restrepo (Colombia), Mr Ezz Al Deen Al Dawla (Iraq) and Mr Pietro Sebastiani (Italy).

Appointment of the General Committee and Credentials Committee ^{^[10]}

Adoption of the Agenda and Arrangements for the Session ^{^[11]}

13. The Conference adopted its Agenda as amended by the General Committee, and as given in Appendix A to this Report.

14. The Conference adopted the arrangements as proposed by the 140^th Session of Council and timetable proposed by the 141^stSession of the Council, and as amended by the General Committee.

Establishment of Commissions and Appointment of their Chairpersons,
Vice-Chairpersons and Drafting Committees

15. The Conference concurred with the Council's recommendations to establish two Commissions.

16. In accordance with Rule VII and Rule XXIV-5 (b) of the General Rules of the Organization (GRO), the 141^stSession of the Council nominated Ms Hedwig Wögerbauer (Austria) as Chairperson of Commission I and Mr Yaya Olaniran (Nigeria) as Chairperson of Commission II, which the Conference approved.

17. Mr Paul Murphy (Canada) was elected Chairperson of the Drafting Committee for Commission I with the following membership: Argentina, Bangladesh, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines and Turkey.

18. Ms Mary Blanca Rios (United States of America) was elected Chairperson of the Drafting Committee for Commission II with the following membership: Afghanistan, Algeria, Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Japan, Mexico, Mozambique, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic and United States of America.

19. The Conference appointed the foregoing officers and, taking into consideration the proposals of the General Committee, in accordance with Rule XIII-2 of the GRO, also appointed the following Vice-Chairpersons:

Commission II Mr Ahmad Al Bakry (Oman)
Ms Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven (Netherlands)

Resolutions Committee of the Conference

20. The Conference endorsed the recommendation of the 141^st Session of the Council to establish a Resolutions Committee of seven Members, one from each Region, and appointed:

Right of Reply

21. The Conference confirmed the decision taken at its previous sessions to the effect that, when a Member wished to reply to criticisms of its Government's policy, it should preferably do so on the afternoon of the day on which such criticism had been voiced after all those wishing to participate in the discussion had had an opportunity to speak.

Verifications of Credentials

22. The Credentials Committee held three meetings on 20, 24 and 25 June 2011 to examine the credentials received for this session of the Conference. A report was issued as document C 2011/LIM/26 Rev.1, with 132 Members listed in List A and 53 Members listed in List B. One Member informed the Director-General of its intention not to attend the Conference.

24. The credentials of the representatives of the United Nations, its Specialized Agencies and related organizations were duly deposited as prescribed under Rule III-2 of the GRO.

Voting Rights

25. The Conference noted that, in accordance with Article III.4 of the Constitution, at the beginning of the Session 13 Member Nations (Antigua and Barbuda, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Palau, Peru, Sao Tome-and-Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) had lost their voting rights in the Conference, since the amount of their arrears of contributions to the Organization exceeded the amount due for the two preceding years.

26. Subsequently, one Member Nation (Sierra Leone) made payments sufficient to regain its voting rights.

27. Two Member Nations (Antigua and Barbuda and Turkmenistan) did not register at the Conference and did not request special consideration and two Member Nations attending the Session (Comoros and Tajikistan) did not request restoration of voting rights.

28. Eight Member Nations requested special consideration under Article III.4 of the Constitution and restoration of their voting rights (Dominican Republic, Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Palau, Peru, Sao Tome-and-Principe and Somalia). After a case-by-case evaluation, the Conference decided to restore voting rights to these six Member Nations (Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe and Somalia). The Conference accepted the request of Kyrgyzstan and Sao Tome-and-Principe to repay their arrears through instalment plans and adopted the following Resolutions:

Noting that the Government of Kyrgyzstan had made a proposal that it liquidate its arrears of contributions over a period of fourteen years commencing in 2012 in addition to paying each current contribution in the calendar year of assessment,

1) Notwithstanding Financial Regulation 5.5 the arrears of contributions of Kyrgyzstan totalling USD 870,801.26 and EUR 1,832.40 shall be settled through the payment of fourteen annual instalments of USD 62,200.09 and EUR 130.89 each from 2012 to 2025.

3) The annual payment of the instalments referred to above, together with the payment of each current contribution in the calendar year of assessment and any advances to the Working Capital Fund shall be considered as fulfilment of the financial obligations of Kyrgyzstan to the Organization.

5) Default in payment of two instalments shall render this instalment plan null and void.

Resolution 3/2011
Payment of Contributions - Sao Tome-and-Principe

Noting that the Government of Sao Tome and Principe had made a proposal that it liquidate its arrears of contributions over a period of four years commencing in 2012 in addition to paying each current contribution in the calendar year of assessment,

1) Notwithstanding Financial Regulation 5.5 the arrears of contributions of Sao Tome and Principe totalling USD 230,444.97 and EUR 12,826.65 shall be settled through the payment of four annual instalments of USD 57,611.24 and EUR 3, 206.66 each from 2012 to 2015.

5) Default in payment of two instalments shall render this instalment plan null and void.

29. The Conference noted that the four Member Nations which had not written a letter requesting special consideration (Antigua and Barbuda, Comoros, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) and the two Member Nations (Dominican Republic and Palau) which had not provided additional input following their written requests for consideration of restoration of voting rights, had effectively lost their right to vote.

Admission of Observers ^{^[12]}

Applicant for Associate Membership

30. The Director-General had provisionally invited the applicant for Associate Membership to be represented by observers until a decision had been taken on its application. The Conference approved the Director-General’s invitation in respect of Tokelau.

Admission of Observers from Non-Member Nations

31. The Conference confirmed the invitation issued by the Director-General to Tokelau to attend the Session in an observer capacity.

Liberation Movements

32. The Conference confirmed the invitation issued by the Director-General to Palestine, at the suggestion of the 140^th Session of the Council.

Intergovernmental Organizations and International
Non-Governmental Organizations

33. The Conference reviewed the list of intergovernmental organizations and international non‑governmental organizations to which the Director-General had extended a provisional invitation to the Session, and confirmed them.

Substantive and Policy Matters

Review of the State of Food and Agriculture ^{^[13]}

34. One hundred Heads of Delegation and one Observer intervened on this agenda item. Members commented on the agricultural and food security situation at the global level and in their respective countries. Members also commented on the theme of the Conference General Debate: “The Vital Role of Women in Agriculture and Rural Development”.

35. The Conference noted that highly-volatile international food commodity prices were a serious threat to food security and underlined the importance of establishing safety nets and social programmes to protect the vulnerable and food insecure from the immediate impact of shocks and of promoting investment and innovation to boost the productive capacity of agriculture in developing countries. The Conference endorsed the FAO response to highly-volatile commodity prices in the areas of market information and analysis, policy advice and capacity-building, and welcomed the establishment of the Agricultural Market Information System with the participation of FAO and several other multilateral agencies. The Conference found that policy coordination among countries and increased market transparency could increase price stability in domestic and international markets.

36. The Conference emphasized that pervasive gender inequality in agriculture was not only a serious concern for women. It also had severe negative implications for the agriculture sector, food security, nutrition and society as a whole. The Conference observed that by closing the gender gap in agricultural yields, the number of undernourished people in the world could be reduced by up to 150 million people. The Conference endorsed the recommendations of The State of Food and Agriculture 2010-11, and urged the elimination of all forms of legal and customary discrimination against women, particularly regarding access to land, financial services, rural employment, agricultural technology and extension services. The Conference encouraged countries, donors and civil society to ensure that all agricultural programmes and projects take account of the different roles and responsibilities of men and women and the constraints they face in agriculture and rural employment, and recommended that gender be mainstreamed throughout the work of the FAO.

Regional Conferences

Global Policy and Regulatory Matters arising from: ^{^[14]}

Report of the 31^st Session of the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (Panama City, Panama, 26-30 April 2010) ^{^[15]}

37. The Conference endorsed the report and took note of the recommendations presented therein, in particular the generous offer of Argentina to host the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in March 2012.

Report of the 26^th Session of the Regional Conference for Africa
(Luanda, Angola, 3-7 May 2010) ^{^[16]}

38. The Conference endorsed the report of the 26^th Regional Conference for Africa, taking note of its good quality and its recommendations regarding regional priorities and food security issues, as well as the proposed Jacques Diouf Food Security Award in recognition of his outstanding achievements for food security, and the generous offer of the Republic of the Congo to host the 27^th Session of the Regional Conference for Africa in Brazzaville (30 January to 3 February 2012).

Report of the 27^th Session of the Regional Conference for Europe
(Yerevan, Armenia, 13-14 May 2010) ^{^[17]}

39. The Conference endorsed the report of the 27^th Session of the Regional Conference for Europe and took note of the recommendations contained therein. It noted the generous offer of Romania to host the Regional Conference in 2014. It welcomed intended further improvements in the preparatory inter-sessional process of the Regional Conference for Europe (ERC), noted the facilitating role played by the European Commission on Agriculture (ECA) in this regard, called for pro-active Member participation in this process, as well as in the ERC, at the highest possible level and took note of the recommendation to merge the Regional and Sub-regional Offices in Budapest and of the request to give due consideration to full-fledged presence in some countries of the Region.^{^[18]}

Report of the 30^th Session of the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific
(Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 27 September - 1 October 2010) ^{^[19]}

40. The Conference endorsed the report and took note of the comments and recommendations contained therein. It noted the interest of the Russian Federation to participate also in the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific.

Report of the 30^th Session of the Regional Conference for the Near East
(Khartoum, Sudan, 4-8 December 2010) ^{^[20]}

41. The Conference endorsed the report and took note of the comments and recommendations contained therein, especially regional priorities, water and land policies, and food security issues.

Informal North American Regional Conference
(Washington DC, 16-17 November 2010)

42. The Conference also took note of the intention of North American Region to establish a process allowing Member Nations of the Region to make inputs into the Organization’s prioritization process without, for reasons of cost-effectiveness, establishing an official Regional Conference for the North America Region at this time.

Technical Committees

Global Policy and Regulatory matters arising from:

Report of the 68^th Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems
(14-16 June 2010) ^{^[21]}

43. The Conference endorsed the report of the 68^th Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems (CCP), and took note of comments made during the discussion of this item.

44. It noted the relevance of the CCP’s conclusions regarding current issues and work priorities: the importance of reaching an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive conclusion to the Doha Development Round; effective policy responses to price volatility, notably enhancement of market transparency through improved information; and the need for investment in agriculture, particularly towards smallholder producers. It noted the recommendations to continue the discussion of the reform of the CCP, particularly the role of Intergovernmental Groups.

45. It also noted the important role that FAO played in the provision of market information and analysis, and the major contributions made by FAO and other international organizations to the G20 through the Report ''Price Volatility in Food and Agricultural Markets: Policy Responses''.

Report of the 22^nd Session of the Committee on Agriculture (16-19 June 2010)^{^[22]}

46. The Conference endorsed the report of the 22^nd Session of the Committee on Agriculture and supported the elements contained in “Matters requiring the attention of the Conference” of the report.

47. The Conference supported FAO’s work in preparation for Rio+20 (United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development) and recommended that FAO focus its involvement in areas of its comparative advantage.

48. The Conference underlined the priority role of agriculture and livestock in food security and stressed the need for FAO to further strengthen sound management of land, soils, and water for sustaining agricultural production.

49. The Conference supported FAO’s Strategy on Sustainable Crop Production Intensification through an eco‑system approach. It stressed the need to enhance the participation of smallholders and their organizations in the decision-making process.

50. The Conference stressed the need to provide adequate funding for standard-setting bodies, in particular the International Plant Protection Convention and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX), and for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It noted the need to broaden participation of FAO Members in CODEX.

Report of the20^th Session of the Committee on Forestry (4-8 October 2010) ^{^[23]}

51. The Conference endorsed the report of 20^th Session of the Committee on Forestry.

a) noted the need to include fire management in reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries (REDD-plus) programmes and in broader land-use and landscape policies and programmes;

b) invited countries to strengthen their efforts to address the challenges of forest governance in collaboration with other sectors, and recommended that FAO support countries' efforts in this regard, and

c) recommended that countries and FAO highlight forests’ contributions to the global developmental agenda in the preparations for the Rio+20 (2012), and that they pay particular attention to vulnerable areas such as dry lands.

a) noted further the quality of work on Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) and encouraged its further development by strengthening the reliability of the information rather than broadening it;

b) welcomed the programme priorities for Strategic Objective E, and encouraged FAO to continue building on its comparative advantages in future priority-settings.

Report of the 36^th Session of the Committee on World Food Security
(11-14 and 16 October 2010) ^{^[24]}

54. The Conference welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the reform of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), and endorsed the first post-reform Report of the
Committee.

55. The Conference noted the importance of finalizing the negotiations concerning the “Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests” during the forthcoming CFS-led meeting from 12 to15 July 201l. The Conference encouraged Members to participate actively in this exercise. The Conference underlined the need for coherence between the Voluntary Guidelines process and the process which will be put in place to develop Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investments.

56. The Conference noted the need for a more realistic approach to the CFS workplan and balance between tasks allocated to its Bureau, its Advisory Group, the Joint Secretariat composed of the three Rome-based Agencies and the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. The Conference noted the need for additional resources for the activities of the Committee, the High-Level Panel of Experts and the Civil Society Mechanism.

57. The Conference welcomed the plans for the 37^th Session, which include increased engagement by the private sector and laying the groundwork for the development of a Global Strategic Framework on Food Security and Nutrition. There was also a call for better coordination with other institutions and fora, such as the G20.

Report of the 29^th Session of the Committee on Fisheries
(31 January - 4 February 2011)^{^[25]}

58. The Conference reviewed and endorsed the report of the 29^th Session of the Committee on Fisheries, and took note of specific comments made by Members.

59. The Conference expressed general support for the work of fisheries and aquaculture, especially in relation to food security in particular, with regard to combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, small-scale fisheries, eco-labelling standards, the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the development of a global record of fishing vessels, aquaculture and capacity-building in developing countries.

60. The Conference noted the adoption of the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, noting that many Members had their domestic processes in train for the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to this Agreement.

61. The Conference welcomed the programme priorities for Strategic Objective C, and encouraged FAO to continue building on its comparative advantages in future priority-setting discussions.

Other Substantive and Policy Matters

The State of Land and Water ^{^[26]}

62. The Conference welcomed the analysis provided by The State of Land and Water (SOLAW). It noted with appreciation the efforts made by FAO to work effectively in an inter-disciplinary manner in the preparation of the report, and to provide Members with a basis for prioritizing action on such an important subject. It stressed the need for an integrated approach and a closer integration of land and water policies.

63. In this context, the Conference reiterated its support for the efforts made by FAO to develop voluntary guidelines to improve the governance of tenure of land and potentially other natural resources and stressed the link with the voluntary guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security.

Declaration on Rinderpest Eradication ^{^[27]}

Resolution 4/2011
Declaration on Global Freedom from Rinderpest and on the Implementation of Follow-up Measures to Maintain World Freedom from Rinderpest

Mindful of the devastation caused by rinderpest, a viral disease of cattle, buffalo and many wildlife species that led to famines, demise of livelihoods in Africa, Asia and Europe, and loss of animal genetic resources over centuries and of the crucial importance that its global eradication is widely acknowledged and the world protected from its re-occurrence;

Acknowledging the successful collaboration of FAO with many Governments, international and regional organizations, the veterinary profession and the scientific community to achieve this ambitious goal, recalling its vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition, where the food and agriculture sectors contribute to improving the living standards of all in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, and reiterating the global goals set out by the FAO Members to foster the achievement of this vision as formulated in the Organization’s Strategic Framework 2010‑19;

Recalling the establishment of the Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) in 1994, in particular its Global Rinderpest Eradication Programme, including a goal for worldwide eradication by 2010;

Considering the announcement of the Director-General in October 2010 that the Organization had ended all its field operations after having obtained reliable and conclusive evidence that all countries were free from rinderpest and that the disease had been eradicated in its natural setting;

Noting the conclusions reached by the Joint FAO/OIE Committee on Global Rinderpest Eradication and the adoption of Resolution 18/2011 by the 79th General Session of May 2011 of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE);

Noting further the technical findings of FAO, OIE and IAEA concerning the evidence of rinderpest eradication;

Acknowledging the responsibility of Governments to reduce the number of existing rinderpest virus stocks through their safe destruction, or through their transfer to internationally-recognised reference institutions:

1) Declares solemnly that the world has achieved freedom from rinderpest in its natural setting;

2) Expresses its deep gratitude to all nations, organizations and individuals who contributed to the fight against rinderpest and the successful eradication of the disease;

3) Calls upon FAO to assume its responsibility for undertaking the measures to maintain worldwide freedom from rinderpest, as recommended by the Joint FAO/OIE Committee on Global Rinderpest Eradication;

4) Encourages FAO to take full advantage of the rinderpest eradication achievement and apply the lessons learned to prevent and control other diseases impacting food security, public health, the sustainability of agriculture systems and rural development and

a) to maintain, in accordance with the relevant provisions of OIE’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code, appropriate surveillance systems for rinderpest and immediately notify the OIE and the FAO/OIE/WHO Global Early Warning System of suspect or confirmed cases of rinderpest;

b) to put in place and update national contingency plans consistent with FAO and OIE global guidance;

c) to destroy, under the supervision of the Veterinary Authority, rinderpest virus-containing materials or assure the storage of these materials in a bio-secure facility in their country or, where applicable, assure their safe transfer to an approved laboratory in another country in agreement with the Veterinary Authority;

d) to ensure that rinderpest occupies an appropriate place in veterinary education curricula and training programmes to maintain professional knowledge and adequate diagnostic capabilities at national levels; and

e) to support all technical measures required to minimize the risk of rinderpest re-emergence, or its synthetic manufacture.

65. The Conference also took note of the statements made by the Director General of FAO, the Deputy Director General of the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Minister of Health of Italy, the Nobel Prize Laureate (P. Doherty) and the Assistant Director General, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, as well as the statements made by the European Union and by Brazil.

Interim Report on the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System^{^[28]}

66. The Conference reviewed the Interim Report submitted by the FAO Secretariat and took note of FAO’s progress in the implementation of the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System. It expressed appreciation for the quality and content of the report.

67. The Conference recommended that FAO continue to actively participate in the policy-making on operational issues in the UN System. It encouraged FAO to continue to support increased UN System-wide coherence and to participate in the formulation and implementation of the new Quadriennal Comprehensive Policy Review. It noted the need to ensure increased multi-year funding and critical mass for technical assistance at country level.

68. The Conference looked forward to receiving an updated report at its next session.

Status of Implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources ^{^[29]}

69. The Conference welcomed progress made in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, and encouraged FAO and its Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to continue activities in support of the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. The Conference requested the Commission to continue overseeing the implementation of the Global Plan of Action and to report back at the 2013 Session of the Conference on the status of implementation of the Commission’s action plans.

70. The Conference requested FAO to continue partnerships with other organizations in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action inter alia with the Convention on Biological Diversity, noting particularly the contribution of small-scale livestock keepers and the importance of eco-systems. It urged Members and relevant international mechanisms, funds and bodies to give due priority and attention to the effective allocation of predictable and agreed resources for the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.

71. The Conference mandated the Council to approve, at its Session in November 2011, the updated Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, as agreed upon and recommended by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and to endorse and act upon any other recommendations that the Commission may adopt at its forthcoming session.

Evaluation of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 ^{^[30]}

72. The Conference endorsed the report of the Evaluation of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 (IYNF), and took note of comments made during the discussion of this item.

73. It also noted the efforts to continue the initiatives launched within the context of the IYNF, in particular the involvement and better coordination of the representative organizations of natural fibre industries.

International Year of Forests 2011 ^{^[31]}

74. The Conference welcomed the report on the International Year of Forests and FAO’s contribution to its celebration.

75. The Conference recognized the importance of raising public awareness on the contribution of forests to sustainable development and encouraged collaboration with other sectors in this regard.

a) noted the active engagement of Members in the International Year of Forests and the role of enhanced cooperation at all levels;

b) welcomed the cooperation within the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and requested FAO to continue its efforts in coordinating these activities during the International Year of Forests and beyond; and

c) noted the important role of an International Day of Forests in promoting sustainable forest management.

77. The Conference supported the establishment of an International Day of Forests, and considered that FAO could coordinate activities related to the celebration of that day, noting requests for caution with regard to proliferation of activities and cost implications.

Implementation Plan of the Global Strategy to improve Agricultural Statistics ^{^[32]}

78. The Conference supported the Implementation Plan of the Global Strategy to improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics and the progress made by FAO and its partners in implementing it. It recognized that the Global Strategy and its implementation were essential to build the statistical capacities of developing regions of the world and to meet emerging data requirements.

79. The Conference expressed appreciation for the leadership of the FAO Statistics Division in implementing the IEE recommendations to further enhance its work on agriculture statistics.

80. The Conference noted the need for mobilization of resources sufficient to implement the Global Strategy and the need to support the Global Office of the Implementation Plan. It noted the involvement of Members and the importance of partnerships with regional organizations in developing the Global Strategy and its Implementation Plan. It also stressed the need for the involvement of sub-regional organizations and specialized UN Agencies in the process.

81. The Conference expressed willingness to continue to provide support for the implementation of the Global Strategy, including in the development and execution of regional programmes, particularly Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia.

82. The Conference noted the importance of agricultural statistics to provide reliable information for decision-making. The Conference stressed the importance of creating synergies with initiatives such as the Agricultural Market Information System proposed in the Action Plan on Food Price Volatility and Agriculture adopted by the G20 Ministers of Agriculture, and expressed support for the three pillars of the Global Strategy.

FAO Gender Audit 2010 ^{^[33]}

83. The Conference recalled the Gender Audit 2010 that focused on organizational mechanisms, systems and structural issues to allow the Organization to be better equipped to achieve the Strategic Objective on gender equity and strengthen gender mainstreaming at FAO.

84. It welcomed the work on the Gender Audit and Evaluation as positive processes leading to FAO’s improved performance on gender equity, and requested distribution to Members of the full Gender Audit Report.

85. The Conference noted with concern FAO’s difficulties in delivering gender equity, particularly at decentralized levels, and highlighted the need to prioritize gender in all of its areas of work.

86. The Conference supported FAO's call to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, and to ensure equitable and secure access to productive resources and inputs.

87. The Conference acknowledged the FAO State of Food and Agriculture report "Women in Agriculture: Closing the Gender Gap" as underpinning evidence that narrowing the gap between men and women in agriculture was critical to reducing hunger and increasing rural economic development.

88. The Conference directed FAO to take a leading role in supporting women in agriculture and rural development.

Programme and Budgetary Matters

Programme Implementation Report 2008-09 ^{^[34]}

89. The Conference appreciated the concise format of the Programme Implementation Report (PIR) 2008-09 and the additional information made available on the FAO Website. The Conference:

a) noted the growing importance of the Organization’s extra-budgetary portfolio, in particular the growing share of emergency-related work; and

b) stressed the importance of mainstreaming Gender dimensions into all aspects of the work of the Organization.

90. The Conference took note of the consultations undertaken by the Secretariat with the Committees of Council in designing the results-based monitoring and reporting system being used for the 2010-11 biennium, including the end-of-biennium assessment and proposed format of the PIR 2010-11. The Conference:

a) urged the Secretariat to strengthen reporting against indicators of performance for work undertaken under all sources of funding;

b) stressed the importance of ensuring that further developed indicators took into account qualitative, as well as quantitative, factors; and

c) hoped that the PIR could include a section on the follow-up of the implementation of the recommendations made in Evaluations.

Programme Evaluation Report 2011 ^{^[35]}

91. The Conference appreciated the Programme Evaluation Report, including the summary of lessons learned from evaluations to be considered by the FAO Secretariat in improving the design of future projects and programmes. The Conference endorsed the increase in budget of the Office of Evaluation to 0.7% of the net appropriations as a step towards the 0.8% target in the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal (IPA).

92. The Conference requested more evaluations of cross-cutting issues and evaluations of FAO’s decentralized structures at regional level, similar to the one that was conducted for the Near East Region in 2010.

93. The Conference requested periodic interaction on evaluation matters between the Programme Committee and FAO’s Evaluation Committee (Internal).

Medium-Term Plan 2010-13 (Reviewed) and Programme of
Work and Budget 2012-13 ^{^[36]}

94. The Conference considered the Medium Term Plan 2010-13 (Reviewed) and Programme of Work and Budget (MTP/PWB) 2012-13^{^[37]}, the observations and recommendations of the Council^{^[38]}, and the additional information that had been made available by the Secretariat.^{^[39]}

95. The Conference appreciated the integrated planning and presentation of Assessed Contributions and extra-budgetary resources. It reaffirmed the importance of full implementation of the IPA and its mainstreaming in the Assessed Contributions of the PWB. While noting that the results-based approach and its application in the MTP/PWB was still “work-in-progress”, the Conference reiterated the importance of the process of setting priorities, and requested that further improvements be implemented in the 2014-2015 planning cycle as specified by the Council at its 141^st Session.

96. In considering the substance of the proposed PWB 2012-13 at the 2010-11 budget rate of Euro 1 = USD 1.38, the Conference:

a) reaffirmed the IPA target of 0.8 percent of the net appropriation for the budget of the Office of Evaluation and decided to set the Evaluation budget at 0.7 percent of the net appropriation for the 2012-13 biennium;

b) requested an increase to the budgetary allocation for Strategic Objective K (Gender);

c) appreciated the on-going efforts of the Director-General to identify savings and efficiency gains for 2012-13 and took note of the USD 26.5 million in efficiency savings that had been reprogrammed in the PWB for the IPA (USD 10.6 million) and technical and operational programmes (USD 15.9 million);

d) decided to maintain for the time being the status quo for the Shared Services Centre of two hubs in Santiago and Bangkok with the Centre in Budapest; and

e) requested the Director-General to put in place measures to achieve further efficiency gains and one-time savings, based on proposals made by the Secretariat during the Conference, including: reviewing the proposed post establishment particularly under Functional Objectives X and Y; reducing the planned volume of travel; better planning of publications; improving cost recovery for administrative and operational services and technical support provided to extra-budgetary-funded programmes, and identifying further efficiency gains and savings. Efficiency gains shall not come at the expense of the programme delivery and be found primarily in Functional Objectives X and Y, not excluding efficiency gains in other Strategic Objectives, subject to prior approval by the Council after consideration by the Programme and Finance Committees.

97. Regarding the post establishment, the Conference requested the Director-General to keep the overall increase in budgeted Regular Programme-funded posts beyond the 18 new posts related to the implementation of the IPA to an absolute minimum.

98. The Conference requested the Director-General to reflect the decisions and requests in paragraphs 3) and 4) in the adjustments to the PWB 2012-13 for consideration by the Programme and Finance Committees and approval by the Council at its 143^rd Session in November 2011.

99. The Conference encouraged the Secretariat to continue mobilizing additional core voluntary contributions.

100. The Conference noted that further efficiency savings were inter alia to be achieved by increasing the funding base of the Programme of Work through improved cost recovery of administrative and operational services to extra-budgetary projects, in line with the definition of efficiency savings established by the 110^th Session of the Council in November 1995.^{^[40]} The Conference reaffirmed the policy of full cost recovery that had been approved by the Council in November 2000^{^[41]} in line with Financial Regulation 6.7. The Conference was concerned about the persistent under-recovery of administrative and operational support costs, as regularly reported in the biennial Programme Implementation Reports, and urged the Director-General to:

a) vigorously pursue improving administrative and operational support cost recovery from extra-budgetary activities, including in areas such as country-level costs, security, and information systems and technology, as previously proposed to the Finance Committee in July 2009;

b) develop new mechanisms, as appropriate, building on the experience of other UN Agencies, notably an uplift on project employee costs to recover those costs most closely associated with the level of staffing of programmes and projects; and

c) present the means for improved cost recovery for consideration by the Finance Committee at its session in October 2011 and endorsement by the Council before the end of 2011.

101. Concerning the longer-term financial health of the Organization, the Conference:

a) reiterated the need to take additional steps to improve the financial situation of the Organization, but noted that the incremental funding proposals were not feasible at the moment given the current economic situation;

b) deferred to future biennia the replenishment of the Working Capital Fund and the Special Reserve Account, as well as the incremental funding of the Terminal Payments Fund past service liability; and

c) for the 2012-13 biennium, agreed to continue following the approach previously approved of partial funding of USD 14.1 million towards the After-Service Medical Coverage past service liability, to be revisited in future biennia.

102. Concerning the budget level for 2012-13, the Conference regretted that the Council had not been able to make a recommendation to the Conference regarding the level of the budget for 2012-13. It noted that a group of “Friends of the Chair” of Council had continued discussions on important issues pertaining to the PWB 2012-13, including resource shifts, anticipated cost increases, post changes and efficiency savings. Subsequently, a group of “Friends of the Chair” of Commission II was formed to assist in reaching a consensus on the budget level for 2012-13. The Conference expressed appreciation for the additional information and proactive support provided by the Secretariat during these discussions, as well as the spirit of cooperation between Members, which had facilitated speedy completion of its deliberations.

Having considered the proposed total net appropriation of USD 1,015,000,000 for the financial period 2012-13 at the 2010-11 rate of Euro 1= USD 1.38 which assumes US dollar and Euro expenditure equal to USD 496,396,000 and Euros 374,443,000;

Having considered that the above net appropriation is equivalent to USD 1,005,639,000 at the budget rate of Euro 1 = USD 1.36 established for 2012-13 after translation of the Euro portion:

1) Approves the Programme of Work proposed by the Director-General for 2012-13 as follows:

a) Appropriations are voted at a rate of Euro 1 = USD 1.36 for the following purposes:

b) The appropriations (net) voted in paragraph (a) above include an amount of USD 39,141,000 to fund the implementation of the Immediate Plan of Action (IPA), comprising an estimated amount of USD 22,359,000 for net recurring costs and USD 16,782,000 for one-time investment costs.

c) The appropriations (net) voted in paragraph (a) above minus estimated Miscellaneous Income in the amount of USD 5,000,000 shall be financed by Assessed Contributions from Member Nations of USD 1,000,639,000 to implement the Programme of Work. Such contributions shall be established in US dollars and Euro and shall consist of USD 491,396,000 and Euro 374,443,000. This takes into account a split of 49% US dollars and 51% Euro for the appropriations (net) and of 100% US dollars for Miscellaneous Income.

d) An additional amount of USD 14,100,000 shall also be financed by Assessed Contributions from Member Nations to fund the After-Service Medical Coverage (ASMC) past service liability. The contributions shall be established in US dollars and Euro, taking into account a split of 33% US dollars and 67% Euro, and shall therefore amount to USD 4,653,000 and Euro 6,946,000.

e) The total contributions due from Member Nations to implement the approved Programme of Work and to fund the amortization of ASMC shall amount to USD 496,049,000 and Euro 381,389,000. Such contributions due from Member Nations in 2012 and 2013 shall be paid in accordance with the Scale of Contributions adopted by the Conference at its Thirty-seventh Session.

f) In establishing the actual amounts of contributions to be paid by individual Member Nations, a further amount shall be charged through the Tax Equalization Fund for any Member Nation that levies taxes on the salaries, emoluments and indemnities received by staff members from FAO and which are reimbursed to the staff members by the Organization. An estimate of USD 8,500,000 has been foreseen for this purpose.

2) Authorizes the Director-General, notwithstanding Financial Regulation 4.2, to use any unspent balance of the 2010-11 appropriations for full implementation of the IPA, including one-time IPA investment costs to be incurred during the 2012-13 financial period.

3) Requests the Director-General to propose adjustments to the Programme of Work for the further efficiency gains, one-time savings, and forecasted use of unspent 2010-11 balance for 2012-13 IPA activities referred to in paragraph 1(a) above and amounting in aggregate to USD 34,502,000, which are currently not reflected in the chapter structure, for consideration by the Programme and Finance Committees and approval by the Council at its 143rd Session in November 2011, noting that both within chapter transfers and transfers from one chapter to another required to implement the proposals during the biennium will be handled in accordance with Financial Regulation 4.5.

4) Reaffirms the policy of full cost recovery of administrative and operational support costs from extra-budgetary-funded activities that had been approved by the Council in November 2000^{^[42]} in line with Financial Regulation 6.7 and directs the Council to implement measures to improve such recoveries from extra-budgetary-funded activities, building on the experience of other UN Agencies.

5) Encourages Members to provide voluntary contributions, especially core voluntary contributions, to facilitate implementation of the integrated Programme of Work under the Results Framework.

Governance, Legal, Administrative and Financial Matters

Governance Matters

Report of the CoC-IEE on the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal ^{^[43]}

104. The Conference commended the Report of the Conference Committee for the Follow-up to the Independent External Evaluation of FAO (CoC-IEE) on the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal, and supported the measures proposed under Section IV of the report (the Way Forward).

105. It stressed the need for further improvements in the prioritization process and the identification and articulation of the areas of emphasis and de-emphasis, and noted that future priority-setting should take into consideration lessons learned from Evaluation Reports.

106. It underlined the importance of Human Resources policies concerning issues of decentralization, and specifically in relation to the implementation of a more mandatory mobility policy. It also reiterated the importance of improved competency-based recruitment.

107. The Conference thanked the Membership and the Secretariat for its commitment and support of the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal and urged its timely implementation.

108. The Conference reviewed the proposed arrangements for monitoring progress in follow-up to the IPA, and thus adopted the CoC-IEE Report with the following Resolution:

Mindful of the imperative for FAO Members and Management to continue to work in concert to strengthen the capacity of the Organization to carry out its unique overarching mandate at a time of critical challenges facing the global community;

Recalling its Resolution 1/2008 whereby it approved an Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal, and its Resolution 4/2009 setting up arrangements for monitoring implementation of FAO renewal in the 2010-11 biennium;

Having considered the Report of the Conference Committee on Follow-up to the Independent External Evaluation of FAO (CoC-IEE) on the work completed in the current biennium in the framework of the Immediate Plan of Action (IPA);

Noting with appreciation the substantial progress made, during the same period of time, in implementing a complex set of actions covering the whole range of IPA thematic areas;

Recognizing that this progress was achieved largely thanks to the Membership’s full engagement in, Management’s resolute commitment to, and the constant support of staff to the process of change for FAO renewal;

Recognizing further that a critical factor in the successful implementation of the IPA has been the adequate funding of the renewal programme, with the required resources being secured by the Membership within the Programme of Work and Budget 2010-11;

Acknowledging the need to ensure continuity of the renewal process and the new ways of working inherent in IPA implementation as an integral part of the established management and governance arrangements of the Organization:

1) Endorses the Report of the CoC-IEE on the Immediate Plan of Action for FAO Renewal (IPA), as given in Appendix C of this Report.

2) Decides that the Council will, at its regular sessions, monitor progress in follow-up to the IPA on the basis of progress reports from Management. In this context, the Independent Chairperson of the Council will continue to play a proactive facilitating role.

3) Decides that, in performing its oversight functions regarding IPA implementation, the Council shall receive inputs from the Finance Committee, the Programme Committee and the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, and from the Regional Conferences and the Technical Committees, according to their respective mandates.

4) Endorses mainstreaming of the IPA into the Programme of Work and Budget 2012-13.

5) Decides that a complete progress report on IPA implementation will be submitted, through the Council, to the 38^thSession of the FAO Conference in 2013.

Final Report of the Open-ended Working Group on measures designed to increase the efficiency of Governing Bodies, including representation ^{^[44]}

109. The Conference took note of the overall progress made in 2010-11 by the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on measures designed to increase the efficiency of Governing Bodies, including representation. The Conference endorsed the recommendations contained in its final report relating to the need for cost containment as regards the working arrangements of the Technical Committees; the duration and format of the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Commodity Problems; the timeliness and accuracy of Governing Body documentation; and greater use of modern technologies for Governing Body sessions and inter-sessional work. Members noted that the issue of Council seats would be taken up in Plenary.

Multi-year Programme of Work of the Council ^{^[45]}

110. The Conference endorsed the Multi-year Programme of Work (MYPOW) of the Council for 2010-13 which had been adopted by the Council at its 140^th Session in November - December 2010.

111. The Conference took note of the initial progress of the MYPOW, and agreed that:

a) it should be a standing item on the Council agenda, as a useful planning tool; and

b) the 143^rd Session of the Council scheduled in November 2011 should prepare a substantive plan for 2012-2014, based on the information contained in the Annex to document C 2011/29.

Constitutional and Legal Matters

United Nations/FAO World Food Programme ^{^[46]}

Amendments to the General Regulations and Rules of WFP ^{^[47]}

a) Endorsed the WFP Annual Reports to ECOSOC and the FAO Council for 2009 and 2010.

b) Commended WFP’s transition from food aid to food assistance and encouraged the use of food assistance tools at larger scale.

c) Commended WFP and the Rome-based Agencies for their efforts to enhance collaboration and achieve cost savings; and encouraged enhanced collaboration at the country level as well.

d) Welcomed WFP's active role in the CFS and its contribution to the funding of the CFS Secretariat, WFP and FAO collaboration on food security and nutrition information systems, and their co-leadership of the Global Food Security Cluster.

e) Commended WFP staff for their dedicated work and expressed strong support to efforts to ensure staff safety and security.

113. The Conference agreed with the revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme regarding the distribution of seats of the WFP Executive Board as of 1 January 2012 and adopted the following Resolution:

Resolution 7/2011
Revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme

Recalling its Resolution 9/95 of 1 November 1995, concerning the revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme;

Recalling Resolution 65/266 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 7 March 2011, on the revision of the General Regulations of the World Food Programme:

1) Decides, following the concurrence of the General Assembly of the United Nations, that the members of the Executive Board of the World Food Programme shall be elected for a term of three years from among the States included in the lists set out in the Basic Texts of the World Food Programme, in accordance with the following distribution of seats, it being understood that this allocation of seats creates no precedent for the composition of other United Nations bodies of limited membership:

a) Eight members from the States included in List A, four members to be elected by the Economic and Social Council and four by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;

b) Seven members from the States included in List B, four members to be elected by the Economic and Social Council and three by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;

c) Five members from the States included in List C, two members to be elected by the Economic and Social Council and three by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;

d) Twelve members from the States included in List D, six members to be elected by the Economic and Social Council and six by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;

e) Three members from the States included in List E, two members to be elected by the Economic and Social Council and one by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations;

f) One additional member rotating among the States included in lists A, B and C to be elected by the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; the pattern of rotation shall be as follows:

i) A State from List A to be elected to occupy the additional seat every other term, starting from 1 January 2012;

ii) A State from List B to be elected to occupy the additional seat every fourth term, starting from 1 January 2015;

iii) A State from List C to be elected to occupy the additional seat every fourth term, starting from 1 January 2021;

2) Also decides that the rotating seat will henceforth rotate on a permanent basis among the States included in Lists A, B and C, as described in paragraph 1(f) above, without the need for a further review, unless such a review is requested by a majority of the Board members, and, in any event, not before the completion of one full rotation scheme of four terms; and

3) Further decides that, following the concurrence of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the revised General Regulations shall enter into force on 1 January 2012.

114. The Conference approved the amendment to Article XIV.6(a) of the WFP General Regulations, to reflect the change from “biennial” to “annual” in the submission cycle of the WFP Budget, subject to the concurrence of the United Nations General Assembly.

Amendments to the Basic Texts ^{^[48]}

Official name of FAO in Spanish ^{^[49]}

115. The Conference approved the proposed change of the official name of FAO in Spanish so that the word “food” should precede the word “agriculture” , for the sake of consistency among the designations of the Organization in other language versions.

Amendment of Rule XII, paragraph 11 of the General Rules of the Organization

Recalling that the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters (CCLM) at its 91^stSession examined some inconveniences arising out of the procedures set out in Rule XII.11 of the General Rules of the Organization whereby “in any election for one elective place, other than that of the Director-General, if a candidate fails on the first ballot to obtain a majority of the votes cast, successive ballots shall be taken at such time or times as the Conference or Council shall decide, until a candidate obtains such a majority” , insofar as they could lead to an inconclusive number of ballots, and proposed an amendment to the General Rules of the Organization for approval by the Conference at its session in 2011;

Noting that the Council at its 140^th Session endorsed the amendment proposed by the CCLM, and recommended that Rule XII.11 of the General Rules of the Organization be amended in order to ensure that in an election for one elective place in which there were more than two candidates, the candidate having obtained the lowest number of votes at each ballot would be eliminated;

Having considered the text of the amendment to the General Rules of the Organization proposed by the Council at its 140^th Session:

Decides to adopt the following amendment to Rule XII.11 of the General Rules of the Organization:

“11. In an election for one elective place, other than that of the Director-General, if a candidate fails on the first ballot to obtain a majority of the votes cast, successive ballots shall be taken at such time or times as the Conference or Council shall decide, until a candidate obtains such a majority, provided that in an election for one elective place in which there are more than two candidates, the candidate having received the lowest number of votes at each ballot shall be eliminated.”

Amendments to the Financial Regulations ^{^[50]}

Recalling that the Finance Committee, at its 135^th Session held from 25 to 29 October 2010, proposed amendments to the Financial Regulations for transmission to the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters for endorsement and submission to the Council;

Considering that the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters, at its 92^nd Session held from 7 to 9 March 2011, reviewed and endorsed the proposed amendments to the Financial Regulations;

Noting that the Council, at its 141^stSession held from 11 to 15 April 2011, agreed to transmit to the Conference, for its approval, the proposed amendments to the Financial Regulations:

Decides to amend the Financial Regulations as provided for in the table set out in Appendix D to this Report.

Proposed Amendments to the FAO Constitution ^{^[51]}

118. The representative of the Group of 77 plus China withdrew the proposal to amend the Constitution of FAO in order to increase the number of Council seats. The Conference noted that the matter would remain under review during the inter-session period.

Administrative and Financial Matters

Audited Accounts 2008-2009 ^{^[52]}

119. The Conference took note of the Audited Accounts 2008-2009 and the Report of the External Auditor, as reviewed by the Finance Committee at its 138^th Session and by the Council at its 141^st Session, and adopted the following Resolution:

Having examined the 2008-09 FAO Audited Accounts and the External Auditor’s Report thereon;

Scale of Contributions 2012-2013 ^{^[53]}

120. The Conference noted that the FAO proposed Scale of Contributions for 2012-2013 (Appendix E) had been reviewed and endorsed by the 141^stSession of the Council and agreed that the Scale of Contributions as recommended by Council be adopted.

Confirming that, as in the past, FAO should follow the United Nations Scale of Assessments subject to adaptation for the different Membership of FAO:

1) Decides that the FAO Scale of Contributions for 2012-13 should be derived directly from the United Nations Scale of Assessments in force during 2011; and

2) Adopts for use in 2012 and 2013 the Scale as set out in Appendix E of this Report.

Payment by the European Union to cover administrative and other expenses arising out of its Membership in the Organization ^{^[54]}

122. The Conference set the lump-sum payment due by the European Union to cover administrative and other expenditures arising out of its membership in the Organization at Euro 550 414^{^[55]} for the 2012-13 biennium.

123. As in previous biennia, it was proposed that the sum due by the European Union be paid into a trust or special fund established by the Director-General under Financial Regulation 6.7.

Other Administrative and Financial Matters ^{^[56]}

124. The Conference decided that the List of Delegates and Observers would henceforth be published as a web annex to the Report rather than be included in the printed version.

Appointments and Elections

Application for Membership in the Organization ^{^[57]}

125. The Conference had before it an application for Associate Membership from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand on behalf of Tokelau in the form of a letter which included formal acceptance of the relevant obligations of the FAO Constitution.

126. The Conference, in accordance with Article II-11 and Rule XII-10(a), proceeded to a secret ballot on this application. The results were as follows:

127. The Conference accordingly admitted Tokelau to Associate Membership of the Organization.

128. The Conference decided that, according to the established principles and customs, the minimum contribution due from Tokelau for the last half of 2011 is provisionally:

Appointment of the Director-General ^{^[58]}

129. The Conference had before it six nominations for the Office of Director-General. The six candidates for the post of Director-General addressed the Conference in the following order:

            Spain                                       Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos Cuyaubé
            Iraq                                          Mr Abdul Latif Rashid
            Austria                                     Mr Franz Fischler
            Indonesia                                 Mr Indroyono Soesilo
            Brazil                                       Mr José Graziano da Silva
            Iran (Islamic Republic of)        Mr Mohammad Saeid Noori Naeini

130. The Conference, after two secret ballots, appointed Mr José Graziano da Silva (Brazil) to the office of Director-General for the period from 1 January 2012 to 31 July 2015.

131. Pursuant to Rule XXXVII.4 of the GRO, on the recommendation of the General Committee, the Conference adopted the following Resolution:

Having proceeded to a secret ballot as laid down in Rules XII and XXXVII of the General Rules of the Organization:

1) Declares that Mr José Graziano da Silva is appointed to the office of Director General for a period from 1 January 2012, the term of office expiring on 31 July 2015; and

Having considered the recommendation regarding the conditions of appointment of the Director-General submitted by the General Committee in accordance with Rules X, paragraph 2(j) and XXXVII, paragraph 4 of the General Rules of the Organization:

a) the Director-General shall receive a gross annual salary of USD 251 188, corresponding to a net annual salary of USD 176 272 at the dependency rate, or USD 156 760 at the single rate, and an annual post adjustment corresponding to USD 1 762.72 for each multiplier point at the dependency rate, or USD 1 567.60 at the single rate, payable in accordance with the provisions of the Organization governing the salary of staff members;

b) the Director-General shall receive a representation allowance of USD 50 000 net per annum;

c) the Organization will directly rent appropriate housing accommodation to be assigned as the official residence of the Director-General and pay related expenses, in lieu of rental subsidy.The overall costs of rental of the Director-General's housing accommodation and related expenses to be covered by the Organization should not exceed Euro 180 000 per year. The Finance Committee may review this ceiling of expenditure; and

d) the Director-General shall be entitled to all other allowances and benefits accruing to staff members of the Organization in the Professional and Higher Categories;

3) Further resolves that the Director-General shall not be a participant in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund and that, in lieu thereof, he shall be entitled to receive, in monthly instalments, the equivalent of the Organization’s contributions to the Fund that would have been payable had he been a participant, as a supplement to his monthly remuneration; and

4) Further resolves that the terms and conditions of appointment of the Director-General shall be governed by the relevant provisions of the Staff Regulations subject, however, to the provisions of the contract to be signed by the Chairperson of the Conference on behalf of the Organization and by the Director-General elect, in accordance with Rule XXXVII, paragraph 4.

Appointment of the Independent Chairperson of the Council ^{^[59]}

132. The Conference had before it one nomination for the office of Independent Chairperson of the Council.

133. The Conference, after a secret ballot, appointed Luc Guyau (France) to the office of Independent Chairperson of the Council and adopted the following Resolution:

Resolution 13/2011
Appointment of the Independent Chairperson of the Council

Having proceeded to a secret ballot, in accordance with Rule XII.10(a) of the General Rules of the Organization;

Taking into account Rule XXIII of the General Rules of the Organization regarding the Independent Chairperson of the Council and Resolution 9/2009 on Implementation of the Immediate Plan of Action on the Independent Chairperson of the Council;

Having regard to the need to safeguard the independence and accountability of the role of the Independent Chairperson of the Council:

1) Declares that Mr Luc Guyau is appointed Independent Chairperson of the Council until the 38^thof the Conference (June 2013);

2) Decides that the conditions of appointment attached to the office of the Independent Chairperson of the Council will be as follows:

a) The Chairperson is required to be present in Rome for all sessions of the Council, the Conference, the Finance Committee and the Programme Committee and will normally be expected to spend at least six to eight months of the year in Rome;

b) An annual allowance equivalent to USD 23 800 will be paid to the Chairperson;

c) A per diem allowance equivalent to the applicable standard daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rate at 140% will be paid to the Chairperson while he is in Rome and when he travels in the performance of his functions;

d) The travel expenses of the Chairperson will be covered by the Organization when he travels in the performance of his/her functions;

e) In the performance of his/her functions, whether in Rome or while travelling, the Chairperson will receive health protection and medical insurance in accordance with Section 343 Part VII of the FAO Administrative Manual;

f) Secretariat services will be made available to the Chairperson to assist him in the performance of his functions;

g) Interpretation services will be made available to the Chairperson, at his request, depending on the availability of resources;

h) Office space, equipment and supplies required by the Chairperson in the performance of his functions will be made available to him;

i) Assistance will be provided to the Chairperson in carrying out the necessary administrative formalities for the acquisition of the documents required for his stay in Rome and for his travels in the performance of his functions; and

3) Decides that the implementation modalities of this Resolution will be agreed between the Chairperson and FAO.

Election of Council Members ^{^[60]}

134. The Conference elected the following Member Nations as Members of the Council:

Appointment of Representatives of the FAO Conference to the
Staff Pension Committee ^{^[61]}

135. In accordance with Article 6(c) of the Regulations of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the Conference appointed two members and two alternate members to the Staff Pension Committee as follows and for the periods specified below:

Member Mr Carlos Bentancour
Alternate Permanent Representative of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay to FAO

Alternate Mr Marc Mankoussou
Alternate Permanent Representative of the Republic of Congo to FAO

Alternate Ms Nike-Ekaterini Koutrakou
Alternate Permanent Representative of Greece to FAO

Other Matters

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco-system Services ^{^[62]}

136. The Conference welcomed the information provided on the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco-system Services and adopted the following Resolution:

Resolution 14/2011
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco-system Services

Noting the outcome of the third meeting of the ad hoc open-ended intergovernmental and multi-stakeholder meeting on an Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Eco-system Services (IPBES), held in Busan, South Korea;

Noting Resolution 65/162 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, which requests UNEP, without prejudice to the final institutional arrangements for IPBES and in consultation with all relevant organizations and bodies, in order to fully operationalize the platform, to convene a plenary meeting providing for the full and effective participation of all Member States, in particular representatives from developing countries, to determine modalities and institutional arrangements for the platform at the earliest opportunity;

Taking note of the decision X/11 of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity by which the Conference of the Parties welcomed the establishment of IPBES;

Recognizing FAO’s experience and long-standing role in relation to periodic assessments of the state of the world’s genetic resources for food and agriculture and other assessments relevant to biodiversity and eco-system services:

2) Requests the Director-General to work closely with UNEP and other relevant international organizations and bodies in the preparation of the forthcoming meetings for the operationalization of IPBES;

3) Authorizes the Director-General to offer to establish and (co-) host, or otherwise support IPBES with other relevant international organizations, provided that costs be met through extra-budgetary resources with appropriate administrative and operational support costs reimbursed in accordance with the prevailing FAO Support Cost Policy; and

4) Requests the Director-General to report to Council on progress in the establishment of IPBES and its financial and administrative implications.

International Year of Quinoa ^{^[63]}

137. The Conference reviewed the proposal made by the Government of Bolivia to declare 2013 the International Year of Quinoa.

138. The Conference noted the exceptional nutritional qualities of Quinoa, its adaptability to various growing conditions and potentially significant contribution to the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

139. Many delegations supported holding the International Year of Quinoa in 2013.

140. Questions were raised based on whether the current proposal met the agreed United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) criteria. The Conference requested that this proposal be forwarded to the next UNGA for consideration and adopted the following Resolution:

Recognizing that Andean indigenous peoples, through their traditional knowledge and practices of living well in harmony with mother earth and nature, have maintained, controlled, protected and preserved quinoa in its natural state, including its many varieties and landraces, as food for present and future generations;

Affirming the need to focus world attention on the role that quinoa biodiversity plays, owing to the nutritional value of quinoa, in providing food security and nutrition, the eradication of poverty in support of the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, and the outcome document of the High-Level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals;

Recalling the Rome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action (13-17 November 1996), the Declaration of the World Food Summit: five years later
(10-13 June 2002), and the Declaration of the World Summit on Food Security
(16-18 November 2009);

Affirming the need to heighten public awareness of the nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural properties of quinoa:

1) Requests the Director-General to transmit this Resolution to the Secretary-General of the United Nations with a view to having the General Assembly of the United Nations consider at its next session declaring the year 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa.

2) Further requests the Director-General to inform future sessions of the FAO Council, as appropriate, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations of arrangements made in securing extra-budgetary funding for the International Year of Quinoa and, subsequently, of the results of the Year once concluded.

International Year of Family Farming

141. The Conference took note of a proposal by the Philippines to declare an International Year of Family Farming and adopted the following Resolution:

Noting that family farming is the basis of sustainable food production aimed towards food security,

Recalling that more than 3 billion people live in the countryside and that 2.5 billion of these women and men are farmers,

Desiring to focus world attention on the role that family farming could play in providing food security and poverty alleviation of the population,

Believing that family farming is much more than an agrarian economic model: it is the nuclear unit for the environmental management of land and its biodiversity, the fountain of important cultural dimensions of each people and, all things considered, a fundamental pillar of the integral development of all nations.

Recognizing that the progressive deterioration in farming income and its effects on rural economies is causing the disappearance of many family farms due to the migrations to the cities.

Believing also that such a celebration would create a unique opportunity to develop means, which would assure in the medium and long term, a prosperous and sustainable family agriculture development in the rural and fishing areas on all the continents, especially, in the developing countries.

Affirming the need to heighten public awareness on the interrelationship between family farming, poverty, food security, and nutrition:

Requests the Director-General to transmit this Resolution to the Secretary-General of the United Nations with a view to having the United Nations declare the Year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming.

Date and Place of the 38^th Session of the Conference ^{^[64]}

142. The Conference decided that its 38^th Session should be held in Rome from 15 to 22 June 2013.

[1] C 2011/INF/9; C 2011/PV/1; C 2011/PV/11.

[2] C 2011/INF/6; C 2011/PV/4; C 2011/PV/11.

[3] C 2011/INF/7; C 2011/PV/4; C 2011/PV/11.

[4] C 2011/INF/8; C 2011/PV/4; C 2011/PV/11.

[5] C 2011/LIM/11; C 2011/PV/4; C 2011/PV/11.

[6] C 2011/LIM/24; C 2011/PV/10; C 2011/PV/11.

[7] C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[8] C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[9] C 2011/12 Rev.1; C 2011/LIM/6-Rev.1; C 2011/PV/1; C 2011/PV/11.

[10] C 2011/12 Rev.1; C 2009/LIM/6 Rev.1; C 2011/PV/1; C 2011/PV/11.

[11] C 2011/1 Rev.1; C 2011/12 Rev.1; C 2011/INF/1 Rev.1; C 2011/INF/4; C 2011/LIM/1; C 2011/LIM/2; C 2011/LIM/6 Rev.1; C 2011/LIM/21 Rev.1; C 2011/LIM/22; C 2011/LIM/23; C 2011/LIM/24;
C 2011/LIM/26 Rev.1; C 2011/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[12] C 2011/13; C 2011/13 Add.1; C 2011/LIM/1; C 2011/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[13] C 2011/2; C 2011/2 Add.1; C 2011/PV/4; C 2011/PV/5; C 2011/PV/6; C 2011/PV/7; C 2011/PV/8;
C 2011/PV/11.

[14] C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[15] C 2011/21; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[16] C 2011/22; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/PV/11.

[17] C 2011/23; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[18] See in this regard para. of C 2011/23.

[19] C 2011/24; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[20] C 2011/25; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[21] C 2011/16; C 2011/INF/12; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[22] C 2011/17; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[23] C 2011/18; C 2011/INF/12; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[24] C 2011/19; C:2011/INF/12; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[25] C 2011/20; C 2011/INF/12; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[26] C 2011/32; C 2011/I/PV/1; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[27] C 2011/15; C2011/LIM/12; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/5; C2011/PV/11.

[28] C 2011/26; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV3; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[29] C 2011/27; C 2011/I/PV/2; C 2011/I/PV/3; C 2011/I/PV/5; C2011/PV/11.

[30] C 2011/INF/15; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[31] C 2011/30; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[32] C 2011/31; C 2011/I/PV/3; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[33] C 2011/INF/16; C 2011/I/PV/3; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[34] C 2011/8; C 2011/LIM/3; C 2011/II/PV/1; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[35] C 2011/4; C 2011/II/PV/1; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[36] C 2011/3; C 2011/3 Information Notes 1-5; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/10:C 2011/PV/11.

[37] C 2011/3.

[38] C 2011/LIM/4.

[39] Information Notes nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, as well as an additional information note with further efficiency savings.

[40] CL 110/REP, para. 24a).

[41] CL 119/REP para. 70.

[42] CL 119/REP para. 70.

[43] C 2011/7; C 2011/LIM/15; C 2011/II/PV/1; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[44] C 2011/28; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[45] C 2011/29; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/II/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[46] C 2011/INF/ 10; C 2011/INF/11; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[47] C 2011/LIM/10; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[48] C 2011/PV/10; C 2011/PV/11.

[49] C 2011/LIM/9; C 2011/PV/10; C 2011/PV/11.

[50] C 2011/LIM/8; C 2011/PV/11.

[51] C 2011/INF/17; C 2011/PV/11.

[52] C 2011/5A; C 2011/5B; C 2011/LIM/5; C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[53] C2011/INF/13-Rev.1; C2011/LIM/7; C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[54] C 2011/LIM/25; C 2011/PV/10; C 2011/PV/11.

[55] The calculation was still being verified a the headquarters of the European Commission.

[56] C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[57] C 2011/10; C 2011/LIM/1; C 2011/PV/2; C 2011/PV/11.

[58] C 2011/14; C 2011/LIM/1; C 2011/LIM/16; C 2011/LIM/18; C 2011/PV/2; C 2011/PV/3; C 2011/PV/11.

[59] C 2011/9; C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[60] C 2011/11; C 2011/PV/10; C 2011/PV/11.

[61] C 2011/6; C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

[62] C 2011/LIM/19; C 2011/I/PV/3; C 2011/I/PV/3; C 2011/PV/11.

[63] C 2011/INF/18 Rev.1; C 2011/LIM/17; C 2011/LIM/20; C 2011/I/PV/4; C 2011/I/PV/5; C 2011/PV/11.

[64] C 2011/PV/9; C 2011/PV/11.

Seven Members of the General Committee
Brazil	New Zealand
Canada	Pakistan
Hungary	Tunisia
Iraq
Nine Members of the Credentials Committee
Austria		Equatorial Guinea	San Marino
Bangladesh		Nicaragua	Thailand
Czech Republic		Oman	United States of America


USD
Chapter 1:	A - Sustainable intensification of crop production	60,076,000
Chapter 2:	B - Increased sustainable livestock production	39,102,000
Chapter 3:	C - Sustainable management and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources	68,279,000
Chapter 4:	D - Improved quality and safety of food at all stages of the food chain	32,040,000
Chapter 5:	E - Sustainable management of forests and trees	51,833,000
Chapter 6:	F - Sustainable management of land, water and genetic resources and improved responses to global environmental challenges affecting food and agriculture	70,521,000
Chapter 7:	G - Enabling environment for markets to improve livelihoods and rural development	46,598,000
Chapter 8:	H - Improved food security and better nutrition	90,620,000
Chapter 9:	I - Improved preparedness for, and effective response to, food and agricultural threats and emergencies	8,940,000
Chapter 10:	K - Gender equity in access to resources, goods, services and decision-making in the rural areas	16,254,000
Chapter 11:	L - Increased and more effective public and private investment in agriculture and rural development	39,876,000
Chapter 12:	X - Effective collaboration with Member States and stakeholders	233,824,000
Chapter 13:	Y - Efficient and effective administration	114,303,000
Chapter 15:	Technical Cooperation Programme	116,027,000
Chapter 16:	Contingencies	600,000
Chapter 17:	Capital Expenditure	26,439,000
Chapter 18:	Security Expenditure	24,809,000
Further efficiency gains, one-time savings, and use of unspent 2010-11 balance		(34,502,000)
Total Appropriation (Net)		1,005,639,000
Chapter 19:	Transfer to Tax Equalization Fund	103,331,000
Total Appropriation (Gross)		1,108,970,000

Admission of Tokelau
Number of ballots deposited	157
Defective ballots	0
Abstentions	9
Number of votes cast	148
Majority required	99
Votes for	147
Votes against	1

Contribution - Last half 2011
EURO	USD
626.51	642.97

Region (Seats)	Members
Africa (1)	1. Côte d'Ivoire

Africa	:	Mauritania
Asia	:	China
Europe	:	Greece
Latin America and the Caribbean	:	Brazil
Near East	:	Syrian Arab Republic
North America	:	United States of America
Southwest Pacific	:	Australia

Region (Seats)	Members
Africa (4)	1. Algeria 2. Cameroon 3. Guinea 4. Togo
Asia (3)	1. India 2. Indonesia 3. Pakistan
Europe (4)	1. Denmark 2. France 3. Italy 4. Poland
Latin America and the Caribbean (1)	1. Ecuador
Near East (3)	1. Afghanistan 2. Egypt 3. Saudi Arabia
North America (0)
Southwest Pacific (1)	1. Australia

Region (Seats)	Members
Africa (3)	1. Congo 2. Eritrea 3. Gabon
Asia (6)	1. Bangladesh 2. China 3. Japan 4. Philippines 5. Republic of Korea 6. Thailand
Europe (3)	1. Germany 2. Portugal 3. United Kingdom
Latin America and the Caribbean (3)	1. Chile 2. El Salvador 3. Venezuela
Near East (1)	1. Jordan
North America (0)
Southwest Pacific (0)

Introduction

McDougall Memorial Lecture [1]

Presentation of B.R. Sen Award [2]

Presentation of A.H. Boerma Award [3]

Presentation of Edouard Saouma Award [4]

Margarita Lizárraga Medal [5]

Tribute to Jacques Diouf [6]

Statement by a representative of FAO Staff Bodies [7]

In Memoriam [8]

Election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons [9]

Appointment of the General Committee and Credentials Committee [10]

Adoption of the Agenda and Arrangements for the Session [11]

Establishment of Commissions and Appointment of their Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and Drafting Committees

Resolutions Committee of the Conference

Right of Reply

Verifications of Credentials

Voting Rights

Admission of Observers [12]

Applicant for Associate Membership

Admission of Observers from Non-Member Nations

Liberation Movements

Intergovernmental Organizations and International Non-Governmental Organizations

Substantive and Policy Matters

Review of the State of Food and Agriculture [13]

Regional Conferences

Global Policy and Regulatory Matters arising from: [14]

Report of the 31st Session of the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (Panama City, Panama, 26-30 April 2010) [15]

Report of the 26th Session of the Regional Conference for Africa (Luanda, Angola, 3-7 May 2010) [16]

Report of the 27th Session of the Regional Conference for Europe (Yerevan, Armenia, 13-14 May 2010) [17]

Report of the 30th Session of the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 27 September - 1 October 2010) [19]

Report of the 30th Session of the Regional Conference for the Near East (Khartoum, Sudan, 4-8 December 2010) [20]

Informal North American Regional Conference (Washington DC, 16-17 November 2010)

Technical Committees

Global Policy and Regulatory matters arising from:

Report of the 68th Session of the Committee on Commodity Problems (14-16 June 2010) [21]

Report of the 22nd Session of the Committee on Agriculture (16-19 June 2010) [22]

Report of the20th Session of the Committee on Forestry (4-8 October 2010) [23]

Report of the 36th Session of the Committee on World Food Security (11-14 and 16 October 2010) [24]

Report of the 29th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (31 January - 4 February 2011) [25]

Other Substantive and Policy Matters

The State of Land and Water [26]

Declaration on Rinderpest Eradication [27]

Interim Report on the Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for Development of the United Nations System[28]

Status of Implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources [29]

Evaluation of the International Year of Natural Fibres 2009 [30]

International Year of Forests 2011 [31]

Implementation Plan of the Global Strategy to improve Agricultural Statistics [32]

FAO Gender Audit 2010 [33]