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 – 2025
AMR Data in Animals and Food
In December 2024, FAO successfully concluded the first InFARM annual open call for AMR data, surpassing participation targets. A total of 52 countries enrolled, with 49 reporting on surveillance activities and 28 submitting AMR data from animals and food, laying the groundwork for a strong global collaboration.
In 2025, FAO invites Members to take part in the second annual open call, starting from 1 July 2025 to 1 December 2025. Countries are encouraged to designate focal points within national authorities responsible for AMR surveillance in agrifood systems—typically Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, or Food Safety Agencies.
Steps for participation:
- Identify focal points across AMR surveillance programmes in agrifood systems.
- Complete the enrollment request form and submit it to [email protected].
- 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 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 is launching 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 31 January 2026.
- Invitations will be sent through 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
In 2024, FAO organized in-person regional trainings for InFARM AMR focal points from FAO-supported countries. Building on this success, two additional regional trainings will be held in 2025:
- One in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP)
- One in the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF)
These will be conducted on a voluntary basis.
To expand global access and promote self-directed learning, FAO is also launching 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.
- Tutored Course 2: InFARM in action: How to use the system. This course will begin on 15 October 2025. Please note that completion of the self-paced course InFARM Essentials – An Overview is a prerequisite for enrolment. If you wish to participate in InFARM in Action – How to Use the System, kindly confirm your participation by registering through this link: InFARM Tutoring - Registration, no later than 8th October 2025.
Together, these trainings will introduce InFARM, guide enrollment, and support best practices for submitting AMR data.
Visit the InFARM VLC training portal to join.
