FAO initiated activities on Consultancy Trust Funds in 1993. Consultancy Trust Funds enable donors to provide grant funds to finance the cost of consultant services in support of FAO's operational and technical assistance work. They are usually established with the development banks and funds.

The programme allows donors to actively share their country's technical expertise with developing countries in a way that benefits all stakeholders. Recipients benefit from a wider range of development experience than would otherwise be available. FAO benefits by being able to draw on consultants from participating donor countries and possibly local consultants in recipient countries. Donors benefit by becoming involved in FAO's activities in the preparation and implementation of major investment programmes, leading to better acquaintance with developing country authorities and their investment programmes.

Consultancy Trust Fund Agreements have been concluded with France, Belgium, Sweden and the Czech Republic.