The 30th Session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG 30) opened on 20 July 2026 at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, with discussions focused on how science, innovation and technical expertise can help countries tackle persistent hunger and interconnected challenges facing agrifood systems, according to a press release by FAO. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu delivered the opening remarks. The session brings together Members to guide FAO’s technical agenda. It addresses One Health, the bioeconomy, climate resilience and rural development. It also reviews progress on soil health, pesticides, plastics, water scarcity and antimicrobial resistance.
COAG is a specialized FAO governing body that provides guidance on agriculture-related policies and explores emerging issues. Established in 1971, it now comprises more than 130 Members. It generally meets every two years. Its members review agricultural and nutritional problems, and appraise and support proposals for concerted actions. They also advise the FAO Council on the Organization’s overall medium- and longer-term work programme.
During the week, Members will consider how to strengthen the implementation of the Strategic Framework 2022-2031. Discussions will focus on One Health, the bioeconomy, climate resilience, and reducing rural poverty. Members will review progress on technical priorities including soil health, pesticide use, water scarcity, plastics, and antimicrobial resistance. Innovation for Food Security is FAO’s Biennial Theme for 2026-27. The Director-General stressed that innovation is not only about technology but also about stronger institutions, better policies, effective partnerships, and practical solutions that can be scaled.
Qu highlighted several major milestones since COAG’s last session, including the establishment of the Sub-Committee on Livestock, adoption of the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Food Loss and Waste, and publication of The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems. He also cited global conferences on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, Agricultural Mechanization, and Smart Farming. COAG has supported FAO’s normative work through the Codex Alimentarius and the International Plant Protection Convention. It has backed digital tools such as WaPOR and expanded FAO-backed Farmer Field Schools to reach over 455,000 producers across 86 countries.
“Breaking down silos and fostering a systems approach … is now more crucial than ever,” Qu said.
Emphasizing that FAO’s policies, partnerships and investments must keep pace with the changing world, Qu added that they must deliver practical, effective and tangible results for Members, and for farmers and consumers worldwide. He praised COAG, saying its “evolution and suggestions have provided support in ensuring impact at scale and delivered concrete results.” The Committee’s contributions continue to shape FAO’s technical agenda. Members will guide priorities that reach farmers across dozens of countries. The session reinforces the role of science, innovation and technical solutions in agrifood systems.
