Japan–FAO Annual Strategic Consultation underscores shared priorities for agrifood systems transformation
The Eighth Japan–FAO Annual Strategic Consultation convened in hybrid format, bringing together participants to reflect on progress in Japan–FAO cooperation and chart shared priorities towards building more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
A session on private sector collaboration underscored the growing contribution of Japanese private sector companies and innovators to agrifood systems transformation. Participants explored how stronger, more strategic partnerships can help accelerate global efforts to enhance food security and achieve agrifood systems transformation.
Lauren Phillips, Director of FAO’s Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), highlighted the FAO Strategy for Private Sector Engagement 2026-2030, emphasizing its role as a renewed framework for collaboration with private sector entities worldwide. The strategy increases FAO’s focus on areas including science, innovation, climate action, resilience and emergencies, prioritizing solutions that are action‑oriented and grounded in evidence. Core to the strategy are also collaborative engagements, such as accelerators, incubators and innovation hubs, as a dynamic means of fostering co-creation and scaling impactful solutions.
Growing ecosystem of Japanese partners
A diverse and expanding ecosystem of Japanese private sector partners work with FAO, ranging from established companies to emerging start-ups and innovators. Examples include:
- Ajinomoto Co., Inc. through participation in FAO’s informal Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG)
- NEC Corporation on digital agriculture and data‑driven solutions
- AgVenture Lab, EFPolymer and Faeger Co. Ltd on innovation-driven approaches.
These collaborations showcase the increasing breadth and depth of FAO’s work with innovative start-ups, reflecting a growing commitment to harnessing new technologies and ideas for agrifood systems transformation. Notably, AgVenture Lab, EF-Polymer and Faeger Co. Ltd. participated in FAO’s “Seeds of Innovation: partnering with startups for Sustainable Agrifood Systems” webinar in October 2025, helping to spotlight the dynamism of Japan’s startup ecosystem and the potential for joint innovation. Ongoing discussions continue on developing further collaborative engagements and co-developing innovative solutions with Japanese start-ups.
These efforts bring forward practical, innovation-driven solutions to agrifood systems challenges and support pathways for co-creation, scalability and accelerated implementation.
The annual consultation reaffirmed Japan’s continuing role as a vital partner to FAO in strengthening private sector engagement and implementing the FAO Strategy for Private Sector Engagement 2026–2030.
