26 November 2005, Rome – The governing Conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today voted the food agency a two-year budget appropriation of $765.7 million for its work in 2006–2007.

The budget represents an increase of about $16.6 million on the current budget of $749 million and will only partially offset the cost increases in FAO’s budget caused by inflation. The Organization will have to absorb $38.6 million in expenses through efficiency savings and programme reductions.

FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf was authorized by the Conference to begin progressive implementation of his proposals on changes to the organizational structure of Headquarters.

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Contact:
John Riddle
Information Officer, FAO
John.Riddle@fao.org
(+39) 06 5705-3259