In focus

Building sustainable agrifood systems

See how FAO supports inclusive, efficient and resilient food production

Highlights
Director-General
News
FAO hosts first-ever global conference on sustainable livestock transformation

Director-General highlights the need to find ways to boost efficiency and equity as well as reduce the environmental impact of a vital part of global agrifood systems

News
Mapping ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock and rice

New FAO report offers comprehensive assessment of options to pursue efficient, resilient, and environmentally sustainable agrifood systems

dg
QU Dongyu makes urgent global call for action on food security at sustainable development conference

In keynote Columbia University lecture, the Director-General proposes transformative solutions to combat rising hunger and environmental challenges

Event
Sustainable livestock transformation

Download the program and watch the live webcast of the first ever Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation.

Campaigns
Calling all young artists!

Get creative this World Food Day. Join our poster contest and draw a world where everyone has access to enough food and water.

Data
Maintaining genetic diversity in livestock

Access tools and data on domestic animal diversity to make informed decisions on the management of animal genetic resources.

Event
Join the World Food Forum 2023

This year, the World Food Forum's (WFF) flagship event will comprise the Global Youth Forum for Food and Agriculture, the Science and Innovation Forum and the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. Register now to attend.

In Focus
FAO response to global food security challenges

Data analyses, policy recommendations, and actions on the ground.

Campaigns
“Millets have brought us joy and saved my family”

Discover the impact that millets have had on those that grow and produce them.

Director-General
dg
QU Dongyu makes urgent global call for action on food security at sustainable development conference

In keynote Columbia University lecture, the Director-General proposes transformative solutions to combat rising hunger and environmental challenges

Voices of Impact

22/09/2023

Sustainable livestock production plays an important role in ensuring livelihoods, food security, and nutrition globally. Thanawat Tiensin, Director of the Animal Production and Health Division at FAO, discusses in an interview what sustainable livestock production is and why it is critical for agrifood systems transformation.

Video
25/09/2023

FAO and partners are working with countries to assess their greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable livestock systems that benefit farmers, the economy, and the planet.

Podcast
22/09/2023

In this episode: A spotlight on sustainable agrifood systems at the UN General Assembly and SDG Summit in New York; FAO warns the world is drifting from development goals due to multiple shocks; and a look ahead to the next events that dig into specifics of sustainability in agrifood systems.

Data

Food loss percentages by region (2016 and 2021)
2016
  • 2021
  • Source: FAO. 2023. Indicators. In: Sustainable Development Goals. Rome. Cited 8 June 2023. www.fao.org/sustainable-development-goals/indicators/en
    https://doi.org/10.4060/CC7088EN-fig52

    2020 World

    31.2%

    2010 World

    31.5%

    In depth

    In Focus
    Annual funding overview

    Thanks to continued trust and growing financial support from our Resource Partners, FAO is working to create a world without hunger or poverty.

    Publication
    Medium Term Plan and Programme of Work

    The Director-General’s Medium Term Plan (Reviewed) 2022-25 and Programme of Work and Budget 2024-25.

    In Focus
    FAO Data Lab

    The FAO Data Lab for Statistical Innovation modernizes the statistical business process, with a specific focus on emergency contexts, when having access to timely information is very important.

    FAO and the SDGs

    FAO supports governments and partners to design the right policies and programmes to end hunger, promote food security and promote sustainable agriculture for millions of people around the world.

    Hover the mouse over an SDG icon for more information

    A world free from hunger and malnutrition where food and agriculture contributes to improving the living standards of all

    sdg photo

    FAO works with governments and partners to empower some of the world’s most marginalized people to end rural poverty.

    sdg photo

    FAO helps ensure food security by developing ways of growing food that will work in the future so that millions of people don’t go hungry.

    sdg photo

    Good health starts with nutrition. FAO sets global standards and works with governments and the private sector to ensure food quality and safety throughout the food chain.

    sdg photo

    FAO invests in educational systems for rural communities and supports improved access to primary education and school meals in order to create equal opportunities for all and chances of lifelong learning.

    sdg photo

    FAO supports gender equality in the agricultural sector in an effort to raise levels of nutrition in local communities and improve agricultural productivity.

    sdg photo

    FAO works with governments to ensure water use in agriculture is made more efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly.

    sdg photo

    FAO promotes the use of renewable energies and works to ensure access to modern energy services across the food chain.

    sdg photo

    FAO seeks better economic opportunities for all by investing in sustainable agricultural practices and food systems that reduce inequalities and create decent jobs.

    sdg photo

    FAO seeks to secure a future for rural communities via investments in transportation, irrigation, food storage facilities and communication technologies.

    sdg photo

    FAO works with countries and partners to generate employment in rural areas, ensure access to natural resources for the most vulnerable and connect farmers to markets.

    sdg photo

    FAO works to improve urban healthcare, water quality and rethink city region food systems to help deter the negative effects of sprawling urbanisation.

    sdg photo

    FAO coordinates major global initiatives and projects to tackle food waste and loss, partnering with international organisations, the private sector and civil society.

    sdg photo

    FAO supports countries in responding to the threats of climate change by providing advice, data and tools for better agricultural policies and practices.

    sdg photo

    FAO, in partnership with governments and fishing communities, implements best practices in fisheries to ensure our oceans are protected as a means of livelihoods.

    sdg photo

    FAO promotes sustainable approaches to natural resource management and supports endeavours that promote a balance between conservation and development initiatives.

    sdg photo

    FAO plays a critical role in peacebuilding, restoring rural livelihoods, building resilience and participatory approaches to policymaking.

    sdg photo

    FAO acts as a neutral policymaking forum and develops partnerships with all concerned with food and agriculture to ensure a world free from hunger.

    sdg photo
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    sdg photo
    sdg photo
    sdg photo
    sdg photo
    sdg photo
    sdg photo
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    sdg photo
    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO supports governments and partners to design the right policies and programmes to end hunger, promote food security and promote sustainable agriculture for millions of people around the world.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO works with governments and partners to empower some of the world’s most marginalized people to end rural poverty.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO helps ensure food security by developing ways of growing food that will work in the future so that millions of people don’t go hungry.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    Good health starts with nutrition. FAO sets global standards and works with governments and the private sector to ensure food quality and safety throughout the food chain.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO invests in educational systems for rural communities and supports improved access to primary education and school meals in order to create equal opportunities for all and chances of lifelong learning.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO supports gender equality in the agricultural sector in an effort to raise levels of nutrition in local communities and improve agricultural productivity.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO works with governments to ensure water use in agriculture is made more efficient, equitable and environmentally friendly.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO promotes the use of renewable energies and works to ensure access to modern energy services across the food chain.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO seeks better economic opportunities for all by investing in sustainable agricultural practices and food systems that reduce inequalities and create decent jobs.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO seeks to secure a future for rural communities via investments in transportation, irrigation, food storage facilities and communication technologies.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO works with countries and partners to generate employment in rural areas, ensure access to natural resources for the most vulnerable and connect farmers to markets.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO works to improve urban healthcare, water quality and rethink city region food systems to help deter the negative effects of sprawling urbanisation.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO coordinates major global initiatives and projects to tackle food waste and loss, partnering with international organisations, the private sector and civil society.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO supports countries in responding to the threats of climate change by providing advice, data and tools for better agricultural policies and practices.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO, in partnership with governments and fishing communities, implements best practices in fisheries to ensure our oceans are protected as a means of livelihoods.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO promotes sustainable approaches to natural resource management and supports endeavours that promote a balance between conservation and development initiatives.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO plays a critical role in peacebuilding, restoring rural livelihoods, building resilience and participatory approaches to policymaking.

    sdg photo
    sdg photo

    FAO acts as a neutral policymaking forum and develops partnerships with all concerned with food and agriculture to ensure a world free from hunger.

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    Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

    FAO Brief

    Sustainable agrifood systems spotlighted at the UN General Assembly; multiple shocks push world further from development targets; explore upcoming FAO events.

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