What they do
The FAO is the United Nations agency leading international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. They produce global food security data, develop the Agroecology Knowledge Hub, conduct soil health assessments, and coordinate food system policy across 194 member nations. Their datasets (FAOSTAT) are the primary source for global agricultural production, trade, and food security statistics.
Why they matter
FAO datasets are the foundation on which global food policy is built. When you read that '30% of food is wasted' or '820 million people are food insecure,' that data comes from FAO. Their Agroecology Knowledge Hub is the most comprehensive institutional resource for agroecological practices, providing evidence-based guidance for governments transitioning food systems. No other institution operates at this scale for food and agriculture.
How to support
Access their free datasets (FAOSTAT) for research and education. Use the Agroecology Knowledge Hub as a resource for community and policy work. Support FAO through donations or by advocating for your government's continued engagement with UN food security programs.
Key project to explore
The Agroecology Knowledge Hub compiles evidence from over 400 projects across 60+ countries, providing the most comprehensive institutional resource for agroecological transition at national and regional scales.