The FAO Basic Texts

The FAO Basic Texts are the legal instruments adopted by the FAO Conference – the supreme Governing Body of FAO -  that define FAO’s mandate, objectives and functions.

The Basic Texts are fundamental to FAO’s past, but also its future. They have, from time to time been amended or supplemented to meet the evolving needs and priorities of its Members.

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The FAO Governing and Statutory Bodies and Treaty functions

The governance of FAO is effected through 14 Governing Bodies, each with a specific mandate, ultimately reporting to the FAO Conference, in which all Members decide on the priorities of the Organization. 

The Statutory Bodies of FAO are advisory bodies established under Article VI of the Constitution, and treaty bodies established under Article XIV of the Constitution. They address a broad range of matters relevant to the mandate and objectives of the Organization.

The FAO Director-General discharges Depositary functions in respect of the Article XIV treaties, as well as treaties adopted outside the FAO legal framework which address matters of relevance to FAO’s mandate. Depositary information can be found on the FAO Treaties Database.

FAO Membership

Membership of FAO is open to any State or Regional Economic Integration Organization meeting the criteria set forth in the FAO Constitution. FAO's currently comprises 193 Member Nations and one Member Organization (the European Union).

Territories or groups of territories that are not responsible for the conduct of their international relations may be admitted as Associate Members. There are currently 2 Associate Members of FAO.

Conditions of admission to Membership or Associate Membership of FAO are laid down in Article II of the FAO Constitution.

The current Membership is listed here.

Other information, guidance and key policy documents

• For key policy documents, click here
• Data on FAO's operations is provided on the FAO Transparency Portal