The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the UN specialised agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and farming. It was founded on 16 October 1945 in Quebec City, Canada, and later moved its headquarters to Europe. It has 194 members (193 countries plus the European Union). With WHO it runs the Codex Alimentarius food standards; it publishes the State of Food Security and Nutrition report.
Key facts
- Founded 16 October 1945 in Quebec City; 194 members including the EU.
- Director-General: Qu Dongyu of China, since August 2019. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Codex Alimentarius (food standards) was created in 1961 by FAO and WHO.
- Binay Ranjan Sen of India was Director-General from 1956 to 1967.
Why exams ask about it
Its headquarters city, founding date, and the day named after its founding are the usual questions.
Pakka yaad trick
FAO's birthday is World Food Day: born 16 October 1945, celebrated on 16 October every year.