Santiago, Chile, 4-6 November 2009

FAO’s Intergovernmental Group (IGG) meetings on Oilseeds, Oils and Fats, Grains and Rice provide a unique venue for FAO member government officials to meet and discuss current and prospective aspects of their respective markets. This joint meeting will examine the current challenges facing the sector, including those that can influence production, utilization, prices, marketing, trade and value-addition. Discussions are intended to broaden the understanding of the issues driving the markets both in the short and medium term. This year’s meeting also includes a Special Session on Market Uncertainties to discuss how current changes in the world economy as well as developments associated with climate change may influence market conditions and outlook.

The Intergovernmental Group on Oilseeds, Oils and Fats last met in July 2001 while the previous Session of the Intergovernmental Group on Grains and of the Intergovernmental Group Rice was held jointly in May 2007. This year’s joint meeting, hosted by the Government of Chile, will be convened from 4 to 6 November 2009 in Santiago, Chile. The joint meeting (4-5 November 2009) is open only to official delegates from Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, including observers from international organizations and other institutions, but the one-day conference (6 November 2009) on “Value Chains for Oilseeds, Oils and Fats, Grains and Rice – Present Situation and Perspectives” is open to a wider audience.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]