The FAO is the United Nations agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. From headquarters in Rome and through a global network of offices, the organization works to help countries modernize and expand agriculture, forestry and fisheries and ensure good nutrition for all. Since its founding in 1945, FAO has promoted sustainable development of rural areas, where 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people live. 

FAO’s principal functions are to:

• Provide technical assistance to developing countries.
• Provide policy and planning advice to governments.
• Collect, analyze and disseminate information.