Neutral forum FAO provides a neutral forum where all nations can meet to discuss and formulate policy on major food and agriculture issues. FAO approves international standards and helps frame international conventions and agreements. It also hosts major conferences, technical meetings and consultations of experts. Structure and Finance FAO is governed by the Conference of Member Nations, which meets every two years to review the work carried out by the Organization and approve a Programme of Work and Budget for the next biennium. The Conference elects a Council of 49 member Nations to act as an interim governing body.
Members serve three-year, rotating terms.
The conference also elects the Director-General to head the agency. FAO employs more than 1,550 professional and 2,450 general service staff and maintains five regional offices, five subregional offices, five liaison offices and over 78 country offices, in addition to its headquarters in Rome. The Regular Programme covers internal operations, including support for fieldwork, advice to governments on policy and planning, and a wide range of development projects. It is financed by member countries, who contribute according to levels set by the Conference. The Field Programme implements FAO's development strategies, providing assistance mainly through projects that are usually undertaken in cooperation with national governments and other agencies.