Highlights
2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists
Aims to foster inclusive policy dialogue and collaborative engagement to improve pastoralist livelihoods and sustainable rangeland management. Rangelands and pastoralists have great potential to contribute and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer
The Year will spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience.
Stories
Events
The role of Cooperativism in the Transformation of Agrifood Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean
Hybrid Event, 13/05/2025
Live broadcast
Background
Since the proclamation of the first International Year of Cooperatives in 2012, the international community has recognized their importance in building a more inclusive and sustainable development. In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the second International Year of Cooperatives, encouraging Member States to promote cooperatives and raise awareness of their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
FAO has highlighted the key role of agrifood cooperatives in improving food security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and expanding access to rural services. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the FAO Regional Office has worked closely with cooperatives, strengthening their capacities through technical cooperation, research, and policy dialogue spaces, positioning them as key actors in the transformation of agrifood systems. FAO remains committed to the cooperative model, promoting a “Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and a Better Life”, leaving no one behind.
Event objective
To raise awareness about the situation of cooperatives in Latin America and the Caribbean and analyze their contribution to the transformation of agrifood systems.
Target Audience
The event will have the in-person participation of representatives from the cooperative sector of Latin America and the Caribbean, government, United Nations agencies and the academic sector. Additionally, it will be streamed live for those to who wish to follow the event online.
Documents
Appointment
Regional Representative
Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer was appointed by the FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, as Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, effective 1 November 2025.
Featured video
Key Documents
Publications
How to use antibiotics effectively and responsibly in poultry production - for the sake of human and animal health
2024
The use of antibiotics and thus the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be reduced by adopting the right husbandry practices. This publication provides practical tips to the livestock producer aiming at improving animal health and hence the reduced use of antibiotics
FAO's four priorities in Latin America and the Caribbean
In depth
Global
Multimedia
FAO Brief - 14 April 2025
14/04/2025
In this episode, an IPC analysis reveals the highest number ever recorded of acutely food insecure populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to conflict, economic instability and surging food prices; sustainable water management is essential to feed Europe and Central Asia and build...
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