From Commitment to Collaboration: FAO and the CFS Private Sector Mechanism (PSM)
On 18 March 2026, the Private Sector Unit of FAO's Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU) hosted the first 2026 session of its Private Sector Brown Bag Lunch series. The virtual event titled "Collaborating for Impact: FAO and the CFS Private Sector Mechanism", brought together over 70 participants from across FAO headquarters, regional and country offices, alongside external stakeholders including private sector partners.
A new strategy, a renewed ambition
Opening the session, Lauren Phillips, Director of the FAO Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), opened the session by anchoring the discussion in the newly endorsed FAO Strategy for Private Sector Engagement 2026–2030, approved by the FAO Council in December 2025. Phillips underscored the Strategy’s emphasis on expanding engagement modalities beyond formal agreements, enabling more flexible and collaborative approaches that leverage private sector innovation to support agrifood systems transformation.
Carlos Watson, Chief of the Private Sector Unit, provided an overview of FAO’s evolving engagement with the private sector, from largely ad hoc interactions prior to 2013 to the third and most ambitious iteration of its engagement strategy yet. Watson noted that the new Strategy introduces collaborative engagement modalities that complement traditional instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), allowing for more agile and flexible forms of partnerships.
Annamaria Pastore, FAO Strategic Team Coordinator, moderated the discussion, highlighting the need for stronger UN coordination, country-level engagement and risk-informed approaches that balance due diligence with timely action in emergency settings.
Inside the CFS Private Sector Mechanism
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) was reformed in 2009 to become one of the most inclusive intergovernmental bodies in the United Nations system. As part of this reform, the Private Sector Mechanism (PSM) was established to facilitate the participation of private sector actors, including agrifood companies, industry associations, farmers’ organizations, and cooperatives, in shaping global food security policy.
The International Agrifood Network (IAFN) serves as coordination and secretariat entity of the PSM. Estefania Puricelli, IAFN Secretary, presented the network's mandate and ongoing work. With members in over 50 countries, IAFN is currently undertaking a mapping exercise to strengthen linkages between its global network and FAO's decentralized offices. The work is further supported by Daniela Morra, IAFN Senior Advisor, who contributes to its strategic engagement and coordination.
In 2026, IAFN’s activities are structured around six thematic workstreams: climate action; Codex and food standards; innovative solutions; nutrition and health; trade and market access, and youth, women, and inclusive value chains. The latter is particularly relevant in light of FAO’s designation of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. At the latest CFS plenary session, the PSM represented more than 15 countries and convened three side events.
Opportunities for further collaboration
The discussion identified several areas for follow-up engagement, including a Codex Alimentarius initiative on tracking the real-world use of food safety standards through PSM. Participants from Nuffield International, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and FAO's Commit to Grow Equality Initiative each expressed interest in engaging with IAFN's thematic workstreams. Areas highlighted included tracking the application of food safety standards, strengthening inclusive value chains, and advancing gender equality.
These opportunities were further illustrated during the discussion through a practical example shared by PSM member, Tetra Pak, highlighting an FAO–private sector collaboration in action, where Tetra Pak referenced a Public-Private Development Partnership (PPDP) in Cauca, Colombia. The initiative, co-funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), brings together matched private sector contributions from Tetra Pak and FAO as the implementing partner. It aims to support smallholder farmers in accessing formal dairy value chains as competitive suppliers.
Looking ahead
In closing, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of structured and inclusive engagement with the private sector in delivering FAO’s mandate and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also highlighted the role of PSM as a key partner in advancing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agrifood systems.
The Brown Bag Lunch series is organized by the Private Sector Unit of FAO's Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division.
