"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 our founding in 1945, we have 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:
