The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since 1945, the FAO has focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people. FAO 's activities comprise four main areas:

1.        Putting information within reach

2.        Sharing policy expertise 

3.        Providing a meeting place for nations 

4.        Bringing knowledge to the field

Each of these four areas have been a focus of the FAO's role within the TSPN as they relate to the promotion of good agricultural practices activities, analysis of standards, and provision of information and technical assistance on standards to developing countries". The FAO has carried out many GAP activities around the globe in terms of studies, expert consultations, trainings, and food quality and safety and workshops for the fresh fruit and vegetable, meat, milk, poultry and cereal sectors. These activities, focusing on information provision, technical assistance and capacity building, help developing countries cope with food system globalization and GAP standard proliferation and are highlighted below detailed by region, activity, commodity and country.

Web portals maintained by the FAO of interest to TSPN members include the following:

·          Environmental and Social Standards and Certification

·          Organic Agriculture

·          Organic Fruits and Vegetables

·          Food Safety and Quality