Participate

Enhancing national surveillance in food and agriculture

Countries are at different stages in developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance systems. Some have well-established national systems that regularly produce and share AMR data in livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, and related food products. Others are just beginning, conducting small-scale studies or point prevalence surveys. Most countries still have limited data on antimicrobial use (AMU) in plant production and protection.

Recognizing this diversity, FAO welcomes all countries to join the InFARM system, regardless of their current capacity or stage of implementation. InFARM is open to countries with robust surveillance systems as well as those in the early stages of development.

By participating in InFARM, countries can strengthen their national AMR and AMU surveillance systems in food and agriculture. The system supports the generation of high-quality data aligned with both national priorities and international standards, enabling informed action to address AMR.

The InFARM annual open call for data – 2026

AMR Data in Animals and Food

A total of 80 countries has enrolled in the InFARM open call, with 60 of them contributing data across the years 2024 and 2025. This period represents a landmark milestone for global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in animal populations and food systems, marked by significant growth in participation, strengthened institutional partnerships, and a robust capacity-building programme.

In 2026, FAO invites Members to take part in the third annual open call, starting from 1 July 2026 to 1 December 2026. Countries that have not yet participated in previous calls are encouraged to designate focal points within the national authorities responsible for AMR surveillance in agrifood systems, typically Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, or Food Safety Agencies.

Steps for new countries:

Identify focal points across AMR surveillance programmes in agrifood systems.
Complete the enrollment request form and submit it to [email protected].
New focal points will receive a confirmation email from the InFARM team, along with platform credentials and step-by-step instructions to enroll in the platform and submit the requirements to participate
Once platform credentials are received, focal points should log into the InFARM IT platform and complete the online Surveillance Implementation Questionnaire.
Countries are strongly encouraged to submit AMR data from animals and food collected since 2015.

For countries with continuous Participation:

If there are any updates to focal point information, please complete and submit the enrollment request form to [email protected].
New focal points designated by continuously participating countries will likewise receive a confirmation email from the InFARM team, including platform credentials and detailed instructions to enroll and submit the required surveillance questionnaire and AMR data.
Existing focal points may log in to the platform using their current credentials to submit the Surveillance Questionnaire and are encouraged to submit updated AMR data

For more detailed information please refer to the Manual for implementation of InFARM and Handbook with additional instructions to participate in the data call 2025. For questions, contact [email protected].

AMU Data in Plant Production and Protection

For the first time, InFARM launched a global data call on antimicrobial use (AMU) in plants. This marks a significant step toward addressing a longstanding gap in AMU monitoring within the plant health sector.

InFARM aims to collect, centralize, and analyze national-level data on antibiotics used as pesticides, enabling regulators to:

Make informed decisions
Monitor compliance
Strengthen phytosanitary capacity

Understanding AMU in plant production helps identify potential resistance hotspots, supports on-field AMR surveillance, and guides early interventions. It also contributes to food safety and One Health objectives by helping to identify plant products with antimicrobial residues potentially exceeding safe limits.

Steps for participation:

The data call will run from December 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Invitations will be sent to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Official Contact Points, with additional channels.
Countries should submit an enrolment request form and designate an InFARM focal point for AMU in plants.
Focal points will access the IT platform and complete the AMU questionnaire, drawing on data from sources such as customs records, pesticide registries, farmer reports, and scientific literature.

For the full participation guide, access the manual here.

Capacity Building: Training for InFARM Focal Points

To expand global access and promote self-directed learning, FAO has launched a blended Virtual Learning Center (VLC) training programme. It includes:

Self-paced Course 1: InFARM Essentials – An Overview. This course is already available on the VLC platform, and you may self-enrol by clicking here.
Self-paced Course 2: InFARM in action: How to use the system. This course is designed specifically for InFARM focal points. Completion of InFARM Essentials – An Overview is recommended for enrolment The course will be available during the open call.

Together, these trainings will introduce InFARM, guide enrollment, and support best practices for submitting AMR data.

Visit the InFARM VLC training portal to join.

In addition to the VLC training, the InFARM team offers Country Clinic Consultations, one-on-one online support sessions designed to assist countries in sharing their AMR data, particularly those doing so for the first time. This support will be available throughout the duration of the open call. To arrange a session, please contact [email protected].