About Us

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is at the forefront of international activities to eradicate hunger. Providing services to both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all countries may meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policies. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. The Organization helps developing countries and countries in transition to modernize and improve their agricultural, forestry and fishing activities, in order to ensure good nutrition for all. Since its foundation in 1945, FAO has paid special attention to the development of rural areas,where 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry reside. FAO’s activities cover four main areas:

• Information and Data
• Experience and Specialized Knowledge on Policy Matters
• Neutral Meeting Place for Member Nations
• Applied Knowledge to the Field.

Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean

Since 1955, FAO and the Government of Chile subscribe to a host agreement whereby this country provides the home of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC), which currently services the 33 member nations that participate and benefit from the activities carried out by FAO in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In parallel, FAO has established national Representations in many of the countries in the region in order to have more direct and fluid relations with the governments and other counterparts. Currently most countries of the Region host an accredited Representative, while some members are serviced by neighboring national offices, the sub-regional offices or the regional office directly.