FAO's Research and Extension Unit, headed by Karin Nichterlein, will be FAO's technical focal point for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAO and three of Italy’s main research institutions in the areas of food, environment and technology. The purpose of the MoU, signed in Rome on the 23 June 2015, is to provide a framework for collaboration with the overall goal of assisting developing countries in enhancing the sustainability of the food production and nutrition. 

Through this new partnership, countries will benefit from the expertise of Italy's National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - CNR), the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria - CRA) and the National Agency for new technologies, renewable energy and sustainable economic development (Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile - ENEA)

Areas where synergies will be established between FAO and the three partners will include: integrated approaches to sustainability; agricultural innovation; food and nutrition; and processing and value addition of agri-food products. More specifically, FAO will engage with partners to jointly develop projects and/or initiatives for capacity development for agriculture innovation systems, building on existing projects and experiences led by FAO and CNR.

In addition, FAO will further enhance the ongoing collaboration with ENEA by undertaking joint studies on the impact of research in agriculture.