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Guidance instruments that promote responsible agricultural investment

Against the backdrop of recurrent food price crises and a wave of large-scale land acquisitions in the late 2000s, the international community called for instruments that promote responsible agricultural investment. FAO and the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) have taken a leading role in the development of international guidance instruments through multi-stakeholder consultations. They may be useful for governments to develop laws and policies, and for private corporate actors or civil society groups.

The CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems

The CFS-RAI were approved by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in 2014. They are the result of an inclusive consultation process. The Principles address all types of investment in agriculture and food systems and in the production and processing spheres. They provide a framework that all stakeholders can use. FAO is currently developing an Umbrella Programme to translate the principles into action.

OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains

OECD and FAO have jointly developed voluntary guidance to help enterprises observe existing standards of responsible business conduct along agricultural supply chains, with the support of a multi-stakeholder advisory group. This practical guidance should help clarifying existing standards in the agricultural sector.

[Available in German] [Available in Chinese] [Available in Ukrainian]

  

OECD-FAO pilot project on the implementation of the OECD-FAO Guidance 

To support the practical application of the OECD-FAO Guidance, the OECD and FAO has conducted implementation pilot project with companies and industry initiatives.

Final report: Pilot project on the implementation of the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains

The final survey was carried out in 2019 to understand the progresss made by companies in implementing the recommendations of the OECD-FAO Guidance. The report presents the key findings of the pilot. It summarises the lessons learned, good practices and challenges in implementing supply chain due diligence identified by pilot participants. It also sets out recommendations and next steps for companies and policymakers to promote the uptake of the OECD-FAO Guidance recommendations in the agricultural sector. 

Baseline report: Pilot project on the implementation of the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains

 

 

The FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT)

The VGGT were endorsed by the CFS in 2012. They aim to guarantee the protection of legitimate tenure rights and address all relevant issues about land tenure. The VGGT contain a chapter on investment which clarifies the responsibilities of various stakeholders.