FAO has been working closely with various forms of producer organizations at the federation and district levels across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific regions, to develop different mechanisms and tools for reducing losses early in the supply chain.

Constraints faced by smallholders – be they women or men – in accessing markets and improving their revenues are well known and easy to enumerate.  A major obstacle to achieving agricultural development and inclusive value chains is the lack of [...]

This paper aims to increase understanding of the role and importance of agricultural cooperatives and producer organizations in achieving food security and reducing poverty. 

Agricultural cooperatives1 (ACs) have proved to be an effective mechanism for engaging young people in agriculture while increasing youth employment opportunities through on-farm and off-/non-farm activities. As highlighted by the 2011 International Day of Cooperatives with its theme of “Youth, [...]

Agricultural cooperatives are key to food security. They are unique enterprises, embodying a business model that has economic as well as social aims. The FAO Director-General has highlighted his strong commitment to the goals and priorities of the International Year [...]