FAO provides essential services to all countries, all forms of agriculture, and should play an active role in advancing agriculture and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. There appears to be a lack of coherence in the way core and voluntary funding is shifting the priorities and resources of FAO.

May, 2018: In many developing countries, the share of agriculture and the food system in the economy is large and critical to the livelihoods of billions. It is thus essential to ensure that all investment in the sector, including by large-scale private investors, is attuned to local needs and operates responsibly, in line with international good practice. When done responsibly, boosting the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture can help fight poverty and help achieve several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as those aiming at ending hunger, ensuring decent work, and attaining gender equality.