The Government of the Netherlands has contributed USD 4.5 million for the new phase (2022-2025) of the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC). The Netherlands was one of the pioneer resource partners to provide funds to the Flexible Voluntary Contribution, previously known as the Flexible Multi-partner Mechanism (FMM), and has contributed a cumulative total of USD 33.8 million, since its establishment in 2010. 

The FVC is the main pooled flexible fund for supporting development work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With a new contribution of 100% to the non-earmarked window, the Netherlands has set a positive momentum for the FVC’s new phase aiming to increase flexibility of the Fund. This new contribution recognizes the vital role of flexible funds in addressing global challenges relating to agrifood systems.

Over the years, the Netherlands has supported FAO’s work in a myriad of areas, including building resilience against food insecurity, food systems development, sustainable production, food loss and waste, climate change, the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, and recovery and resilience to COVID‑19. Through its support to the FVC, the Netherlands has helped transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries around the world.

The contribution of non-earmarked funds to the FVC allows FAO to support innovation, strengthen capacities, build partnerships and create synergies through cross-sectoral integration, both within and outside the Organization. The availability of flexible funds is vital for achieving FAO’s aspirational impacts of a better production, a better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, while leaving no one behind, in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

Since its establishment in 2010, the FVC has received over USD 155 million in flexible voluntary contributions and has supported over 65 projects that are improving the lives and livelihoods of farmers and rural community dwellers in over 80 countries across five regions. The new FVC phase 2022–2025, anticipates an expanded financial portfolio and resource partnership base. Therefore, more resource partners wishing to contribute flexible funds, both non-earmarked  and or soft-earmarked windows are important for the growth of the Fund, are most welcome by FAO.