Canada marks FAO's 75th anniversary

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food was joined by Sonny Perdue, United States Secretary of Agriculture, Dr Qu Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration and Minister Responsible for the Laurentides Region to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Minister Bibeau commented, “this is a significant milestone for the FAO, as they celebrate 75 years of achievement in their efforts to reduce world poverty and hunger. Today, our world is in the midst of a pandemic and it is more important than ever to continue a united front to strengthen global food security, helping vulnerable people around the world have access to the safe, nutritious food.”

In 1945, at a Conference presided over by future Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson in Quebec City, the FAO was formally established as a specialised UN agency to lead international efforts in the fight against global hunger and poverty.

Today, the FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, with a goal to achieve food security for all and to ensure people have access to safe, high-quality food. Canada has been a member since the beginning and is committed to working with the FAO to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially -- Zero Hunger.

Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie said, “it was at Château Frontenac in Québec City that the first FAO Conference session was held on 16 October, 1945. The Government of Québec has built on these historic origins to create even stronger ties with the organisation in recent years. The partnership between my ministry and the FAO aimed at boosting resilience to climate change in two Francophone countries, Senegal and Haiti, is a good example. This collaborative project is testimony to Québec’s leadership and expertise in food security and sustainable agriculture, in the Francophone world in particular.”

As part of Canada’s commitment to a secure and sustainable food system, the Government announced on 17 October 2019 the first-ever Food Policy for Canada. The food policy is a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada – one that builds on the Government’s ambitious agenda to support the growth of Canada’s farmers and food businesses, while supporting the demand for healthy, safe food at home and abroad. This policy is one of building blocks that complements the FAO’s vision for a global food system that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.