FAO Agricola Medal and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations

Context

Recently, the Prime Minister of India was awarded the Agricola Medal, the highest honour conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in recognition of his contribution towards food security, nutrition and agricultural development.

About Agricola Medal

It is conferred on individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards global food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agricultural development.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

1. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to eliminate hunger and improve food security.
2. FAO was established on October 16, 1945, in Quebec City, Canada, and is regarded as the oldest permanent specialised agency of the United Nations.
3. The headquarters of FAO is located in Rome, Italy.
4. India is a founding member of the organisation. At present, FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.

Objectives and Functions

1. FAO aims to improve nutrition, increase agricultural productivity and enhance the living standards of rural populations.
2. It works to ensure that people across the world have regular access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
3. The organisation coordinates international programmes related to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, land resources and water management.
4. It also provides technical expertise, policy guidance and research support to member countries for sustainable agricultural and rural development.
5. FAO serves as a platform for cooperation and policy dialogue between developed and developing countries on food and agricultural issues.
6. In collaboration with the United Nations, FAO helped establish the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations.

Governance and Funding

1. FAO is governed by the biennial FAO Conference in which all member countries and the European Union are represented.
2. The Conference elects a 49-member Council that functions as the executive body of the organisation.
3. The organisation receives financial contributions from its member countries.

Reports and Observances

1. Major publications released by FAO include:

1. The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO)
2. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA)
3. The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO)
4. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI)

2. World Food Day is observed every year on October 16 to commemorate the establishment of FAO in 1945.