The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Initiative is a multi-stakeholder umbrella framework designed to support the transition to people-centred sustainable agriculture and rural development and to strengthen participation in programme and policy development. The Initiative helps to achieve SARD by supporting pilot efforts and building the capacity of rural communities, disadvantaged groups and other stakeholders to improve access to resources (e.g. genetic, technological, land, water, markets and information), to promote good practices for SARD, and to foster fairer conditions of employment in agriculture. This initiative contributes to the implementation of Chapter 14 of Agenda 21 and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and offers all stakeholders an opportunity to participate in rural development to promote more equal benefit-sharing, reduce poverty, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable development.

Since the launch of the SARD Initiative in Johannesburg by Major Groups and FAO in 2002, numerous new organizations such as policy advocacy and grassroots community groups at local and national level have expressed interest in implementation of SARD (Agenda 21) and participation in the SARD Initiative. Agenda 21 recognized the roles and responsibilities of nine major groups of civil society, which are Indigenous Peoples, Farmers, Workers and Trade Unions, Business and Industry, Local Authorities, Scientific and Technological Community, Children and Youth, Women, NGOs. Participation in the SARD Initiative is open to any interested Civil Society Organizations agreeing to the spirit of the Initiative and willing to contribute to it.