The new annual Awards acknowledge progress in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Awards are open to individuals, organizations, governments, foundations, academia or private sector leaders across the world. We want to hear your story about how you are transforming agrifood systems, advocating for change, or bringing about a chain reaction towards better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life. Celebrate the efforts of individuals or institutions that are taking concrete steps towards building a sustainable food secure future for all and submit an application to the Awards Secretariat.
The call is now open!
Submit your nomination NOW for the Champion, Partnership and Achievement Awards!
Winners 2024
FAO Award for Innovation
The Freza Nanotech Limited, Uganda provides an emission free, nanotechnology-based fruit preservation solution to extend fruit shelf life of fruits by up to 30 days. It contains organic formulation that inhibits the activity of phospholipase D, a key enzyme involved in fruit ripening. This
Innovation applies to multiple levels of the supply chain by providing benefits to both producers (farmers) and consumers, and reduces postharvest losses, promotes healthier diets, and minimizes environmental impact. The innovation can generate value and economies of scale - at the producer level, farmers can use the innovation to extend the shelf life of their fresh fruits, reducing postharvest losses and increasing their marketable yield and by reducing losses along the supply chain, the innovation helps in stabilizing prices, making fruits more accessible to consumers at affordable rates. The innovation creates economic opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized groups involved in agriculture.
FAO Award for Achievement
Institute of Plant Protection Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science
The Institute of Plant Protection (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science) is recognized for its significant contribution to combating the Fall Armyworm (FAW) in China and beyond. Spearheading the development of a sustainable pest management system against FAW, the Institute achieved groundbreaking advancements including accurate forecasting of FAW invasion, establishment of an all-weather monitoring and early-warning network, and implementation of an ecologically friendly regional integrated pest management system. Sharing expertise with Southeast Asian and African nations, it established an international framework for FAW control. The institute's support extended to countries afflicted by FAW infestations, resulting in improved food security and reduced crop losses due to pests.
FAO Award for Partnership
CABI collaborates with FAO in Southern Africa to improve agricultural policies and capacity building, notably through PlantwisePlus, which offers practical advice to smallholder farmers via local clinics staffed by trained experts. With an extensive reach of 54 million smallholders across 30 countries, the initiative has led to significant yield and income increases, with notable success in poverty reduction, such as in Rwanda. Additionally, CABI's BioProtection Portal supports biological plant protection in 42 countries, contributing to global agricultural sustainability efforts and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
FAO Award for Partnership
Ulsan Metropolitan City
Ulsan's partnership with FAO since 2021 has generated significant impact through humanitarian aid, capacity-building, and trainings. Notably, it was the first Korean local government to financially support FAO's Response Programmes in Ukraine, aiding 500 vulnerable rural households. Ulsan's innovative internship program with FAO has provided local students with valuable international development experience, enhancing its visibility in capacity-building efforts and serving as a model for local government partnerships.
In focus
Champion Award
The Champion Award is FAO’s highest honour. It recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private...
Partnership Award
A successful sustainable development agenda requires strong global partnerships and cooperation between...
Achievement Award
Recognising the outstanding performance of individuals or institutions that have created true impact in the efficient execution of programmes related to FAO's work...
Innovation Award
Innovation is changing the way food is produced, processed, traded and consumed and building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems...
Employee Awards
This annual initiative recognises employees for achievements in the areas of innovation; knowledge-sharing; operational effectiveness and efficiency; teamwork and collaboration; as well as diversity and inclusiveness.
