Thumbnail Image

FAO at 80

The pursuit of better food for all

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages n/a

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-140167-5

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd7132en

Synopsis (short abstract) A new history of FAO explores 80 years of food and agriculture and the work of the Organization to continue to shape agrifood systems in a changing world. Through words and photographs, FAO at 80: the pursuit of better food for all chronicles the Organization's milestones over the course of its mandate, seen against the backdrop of world events and the evolution of food and agriculture more generally. Four sections reflect the Organization’s expanding scope and impact: More (1945–1965), detailing the expansion of agricultural production in the aftermath of WWII; Deeper (1965–1985), looking at the emergence of environmental concerns and more tailored approaches; Broader (1985–2005), characterized by more global and holistic perspectives; and Better (2005–2025), emphasizing innovation and technology as crucial drivers of better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. From the pioneering of the World Census of Agriculture dating back to 1950, through the founding of the Codex Alimentarius together with the World Health Organization in 1963, to breakthroughs such as the eradication of rinderpest in 2011, and the profound transformation of agrifood systems guided by the four betters, much has been done. There remains much to do and FAO is ready to keep delivering.

Cite this content as:

FAO. 2025. FAO at 80 – The pursuit of better food for all. Rome. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd7132en

Language English

Also available in:

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Corporate general interest
    FAO at 75 - Grow, nourish, sustain. Together 2020
    Also available in:
    Seventy-five years down the line, FAO’s name, ambition, and spirit remain: everything else has changed, and will change further.Born in 1945 amid the idealism of post-war reconstruction, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations sets out to increase farm output around the world and make famines a thing of the past. Over the subsequent 75 years, FAO’s outlook and body of work acquire new environmental and sustainability dimensions. By 2020, continued success requires strategic re-invention.As the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates vulnerabilities linked to conflict and climate change, FAO is looking to advanced research partnerships, digitalization, and wall-to-wall innovation to help end hunger and malnutrition. With ten years to go until the Sustainable Development Goals come due, the race is on for bold answers and dramatic solutions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Working paper
    Bioeconomy for food and agriculture: A global stocktaking study 2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The global bioeconomy landscape is diverse, reflecting various national and regional interpretations and visions. This study has conducted a global review of national and regional bioeconomy strategies, with a focus on sustainability objectives, definitions, priority areas, activities, and governance mechanisms. It highlights FAO's role in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy within the food and agriculture sectors. The study concludes by identifying gaps and opportunities in global bioeconomy development to guide FAO and its Members in shaping the transition to a sustainable global bioeconomy for food and agriculture.The concept of bioeconomy is gaining significant global traction, evolving from its early focus on resource substitution and biotechnological innovation to a more comprehensive and cross-cutting model for sustainable development. This perspective underscores its transformative potential, aiming to reshape the existing economic paradigm into one that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. However, bioeconomy is not inherently sustainable. Realizing its potential requires robust governance that ensures alignment with societal goals. Increased biomass demand, central to bioeconomy development, poses challenges such as resource competition and international trade impacts.Without assessing the economic, environment and social sustainability of the bioeconomy, this transition risks exacerbating global inequalities related to resource access, environmental degradation and land rights.This study was prepared by the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), within the framework of its Programme Priority Area bioeconomy for sustainable food and agriculture. The insights gathered aim to guide FAO in shaping the strategic direction of its corporate area of work on bioeconomy, strengthening the role of agrifood systems in driving the transformative potential of the bioeconomy across other sectors.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Brochure
    Realising Dynamic Value Chains for Underutilised Crops
    Unlocking the potential of underutilized crops for a sustainable future
    2025
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The RADIANT project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, seeks to transform European agrifood systems by promoting the use of underutilized and neglected crops (UCs). These crops, often overlooked in conventional agriculture, offer valuable benefits such as increased biodiversity, improved resilience to climate change, and enhanced sustainability in food production. By integrating UCs into dynamic value chains, RADIANT supports the EU’s goals for sustainable agriculture, food security, and ecosystem services.Coordinated by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, RADIANT brings together 29 partners from 12 countries, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to unlock the potential of UCs across Europe. The project emphasizes empowering local communities and smallholder farmers, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive food systems that are better equipped to face environmental and economic challenges.Through research, collaboration, and outreach, RADIANT aims to reshape agricultural practices by demonstrating the viability and benefits of UCs. The initiative not only contributes to ecological sustainability but also promotes social equity and economic opportunities in rural areas. Ultimately, RADIANT envisions a more diverse, resilient, and sustainable European food system.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.