FAO engages with the private sector and the broader business community through different types of agreements, from informal exchanges knowledge-sharing platforms a range of modalities, each involving a distinct role for the Organization. These interactions span from informal exchanges and knowledge-sharing platforms to fully developed partnerships that may include financial contributions.
Formal partnerships are structured collaborations between FAO and private sector entities that are governed by formal legal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Letters of Intent (LOIs), or other binding agreements. These partnerships are established to achieve clearly defined objectives, with roles, responsibilities and contributions explicitly outlined and mutually agreed upon.
FAO private sector partners at a glance
Sustainability runs through nearly every partnership: most agreements combine climate and environmental action with innovation and technology. Knowledge and normative work sits at the heart of FAO’s portfolio— as the UN agency mandated to set standards and guide policy for food and agriculture, FAO partners with the private sector to translate that knowledge into practice, from data and technical expertise to shared standards for sustainable agrifood systems.
Beyond individual private sector entities, FAO partners with federations, cooperatives, chambers and industry platforms that speak for entire sectors, amplifying its reach across whole industries. These networks are also FAO's frequent partners for knowledge and normative work, making them the portfolio's broadest and most versatile collaborators.