Ireland elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)
- Published on: 15 August 2025
- Last updated on: 15 August 2025
Ireland has been elected to the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) for a two-year term. The Council is the governing body of FAO, the specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
During the 44th Session of the FAO Conference, the election to fill two vacant seats for the Europe and Central Asia region resulted in Ireland topping the poll and gaining a seat on the Council for the first time since 2013. As a member of FAO Council, Ireland will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction, policy and oversight of the organisation. Ireland and FAO are aligned through shared priorities in sustainable food systems, global food security, rural development, and environmental protection.
Following the election, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:
“Ireland’s agricultural expertise, particularly in sustainable food systems and our strong commitment to end global food insecurity, closely aligns us with the work of FAO. This is evident throughout our Food Vision 2030 strategy and our focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ireland looks forward to bringing a strong voice to the FAO Council and working alongside FAO members to achieve these goals. This voice will only be amplified further during our EU Presidency next year.”
Minister Heydon continued:
“The significance of Ireland being a member of the FAO Council is that it will enable us to help to shape global food and agriculture policy, increase Ireland's visibility within the UN system, and to engage in high-level decision-making that supports sustainable development and multilateral cooperation to assist countries that can avail of our agriculture expertise. My Department, through the FAO, has already funded a number of key projects including in Sudan and Ukraine. Ireland has also joined the Global Network Against Food Crises where not only are we the only country to do so, but joining with my department as the focal point of contact is very significant and has triggered interest from other national ministries of agriculture.”
The election follows Minister Heydon’s recent attendance at the 6th African Union (AU) - European Union (EU) Agriculture Ministerial Conference in Rome. In advance of the conference, Minister Heydon met with FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, and both reflected on the need for coordinated global action to ensure food security and for transformation to sustainable agrifood systems.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- https://www.fightfoodcrises.net/articles/statement-irelands-department-agriculture-food-and-marine-joining-global-network-against
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Ireland’s Support to Rural Livelihoods in Conflict-Affected Ukraine 2022 and 2023
Before Russia’s illegal invasion, Ukraine imported around 15,000 tonnes of certified seed potatoes annually. This dropped to just 1,000 tonnes in 2022. In response, Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) provided funding of €440,000 in 2023 for the supply, delivery, packaging and distribution of 500 tonnes of high-quality seed potatoes, supplied at growing cost by IPM Potato Group Ltd.
This in-kind contribution of seed potatoes was provided to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Ukraine. FAO distributed 50kg seed potato packages to 10,000 smallholder farmers across five oblasts. The aim was to help restore local production capacity in the absence of a commercial seed distribution network.
Previously in 2022, Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) provided €750,000 in emergency funding for rural households in heavily conflict-affected areas. The FAO-led intervention supported 1,000 vulnerable farming families in Chernihivska, Kharkivska, and Sumska oblasts. Each household received poultry production kits, including 30 chicks, feed, and supplements, along with cash assistance to cover immediate needs and additional inputs.
This Cash+ approach helped households restart backyard farming disrupted by war. It also addressed gaps in food availability, reduced reliance on negative coping strategies, and supported rural women taking on increased labour burdens.
Emergency Support Provided to Refugees, Host Communities and Farmers in White Nile State, Sudan – 2023
By 2023 conflict in Sudan had displaced over 2.4 million people, leaving one in four Sudanese acutely food insecure. Women and girls faced higher risks, with 79% of women unable to meet minimum dietary needs. Refugee numbers in White Nile State approached 480,000—matching the host population—after large inflows from Khartoum and South Sudan. Host communities were overwhelmed, and resources stretched thin.
An Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) project, in the amount of $500,000, supported 838 vulnerable households, including refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and host communities:
- 748 households received five goats each for income and nutrition.
- 74 women and youth-headed households received fish processing training and starter kits.
- 16 youth-headed households received fishing training, including tools and boat-making skills.
A second Ireland-funded project, also in the amount of $500,000, focused on farming households affected by the conflict. The FAO distributed grain legume and vegetable seeds to help families plant during the winter season. On-the-job training supported the adoption of better farming practices. At least 40% of the beneficiaries were women-headed households.
Ireland’s Support to Agro-Pastoralist Livelihoods in South Sudan – 2024
Ireland (Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) provided $500,000 in 2024 to support vulnerable agro-pastoralist households in South Sudan. The FAO-led project aimed to reduce the impact of repeated floods on livestock-dependent communities by:
- Vaccinating and treating 400,000 animals against diseases such as anthrax
- Training local animal health workers
- Installing a solar-powered borehole to ensure water access
- Supporting a women-led peri-urban milk processing group with equipment and training
These interventions were designed to protect livestock assets, which support the livelihoods of over 80% of households. Improving animal health and securing water access helped stabilise food supply and reduced the risk of disease. Support to women-led milk processing groups aimed to increase income and promote reinvestment in health, education, and food.
By improving livestock survival, water access, and income opportunities, the project strengthened household resilience to climate shocks. It also laid the groundwork for longer-term recovery through improved veterinary services and water infrastructure.