In 2009, the CFS agreed on a substantial reform package aimed at increasing its legitimacy as an intergovernmental platform for global governance of food security. The reforms included: a redefinition of the CFS vision and role to focus on the key challenges of eradicating hunger; expanded participation to ensure that the voices of all relevant stakeholders are heard in the food and agriculture policy dialogue; strengthened linkages with countries and regions; and evidence-based decision-making through the creation of a High Level Panel of Experts.

Recognizing that participation is key to enhancing ownership and accountability of decisions, CFS has gone beyond the traditional UN grouping of Members vs. Observers and created the new Participants category, which includes UN agencies and bodies, civil society and non-governmental organizations and their networks, international agricultural research systems, international and regional financial institutions, representatives of private sector associations, private philanthropic foundations. While CFS member countries remain the ultimate decision makers as well as the principal actors in the upholding of the right to food, CFS Participants play a fundamental role in intervening in consultations and negotiations, contributing to the preparation of documents and agendas and submitting and presenting proposals.

Another key component of the reform was the creation of the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE). The High-Level Panel of Experts for Food Security and Nutrition was established in 2010 as the science-policy interface of CFS. It aims to improve the robustness of policy making by providing independent, evidence-based analysis and advice at the request of CFS. The HLPE's work supports the Committee's mandate by delivering scientific analysis on critical food security issues, thereby ensuring that discussions are grounded in the latest research and data.