FAO and Eataly partner to support family farming

Support to family farming through improved production and market access is essential in the fight against hunger. With this idea as a basis, FAO and Italian food chain Eataly signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering collaboration during the International Year of Family Farming in 2014 .

The agreement signed by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva and Eataly CEO Nicola Farinetti establishes various initiatives, such as resource mobilization in support of family farmers in Africa and Latin America. Thus, part of the profits from the sale of certain products in the Eataly establishments will go to FAO projects in developing countries.

This new partnership involves joint advocacy and awareness about the importance of alleviating hunger and poverty, improving livelihoods of small farmers, and raising awareness on environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

"This agreement allows us to join forces to support family agriculture, food security and to promote sustainable development by harnessing the advantages that FAO and partners such as Eataly can offer," said Graziano da Silva, who stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, including the private sector, in the eradication of hunger.

Farinetti stressed that FAO and Eataly share some of the same values ​​and that this is an opportunity to join forces. He explained that Eataly’s business philosophy is based on sourcing from small producers, promoting biodiversity  and recognizing the importance of quality origin-linked food.

The agreement provides for the development of joint communication and awareness activities for the International Year of Family Farming. Graziano da Silva invited Farinetti to participate in the launch of the year in New York on 22 November in the presence of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon .

Knowledge sharing and learning activities

Eataly and FAO will also develop knowledge sharing and learning activities: FAO technical experts will participate in Eataly’s activities to promote good practices in nutrition, food waste and responsible use of natural resources amongst consumers, families and students.

Graziano da Silva and Farinetti planted a cactus in a symbolic act in the presence of a group of children to whom FAO Director-General recalled that one in four children under five suffer are stunted.

Eataly is a high quality food and beverage chain present throughout the world. Its business model is based on corporate social responsibility and sourcing products from small producers who are following principles of sustainability.

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