The FAO Role
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation
The FAO is the United Nations’ lead agency for food and agriculture. Headquartered in Rome, it has more than 190 member states and works across the world to defeat hunger, improve nutrition and support sustainable agricultural development.
The FAO’s Director General leads an organisation with a global mandate, a substantial budget and a staff of thousands operating in countries across every continent. The role requires both technical expertise and strong multilateral leadership.
The new Director General will be elected by the 190 member states at the FAO Conference in Rome in mid-2027, with each member country holding one vote.
Key Facts
Founded: 1945
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Member States: 190+
Mandate: Defeating hunger and improving global food systems
Budget: Multi-billion dollar annual budget
Staff: Thousands globally across all continents
Commitment to Food Security — Built Over a Lifetime
Phil Hogan has spent his career at the intersection of agriculture, trade and international policy. From managing the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy to representing Europe at the WTO and G20, he has seen first-hand the central role that strong international institutions play in ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development.
He is running for Director General of the FAO because he believes in the mission, understands the challenges, and has the experience and relationships to make a meaningful difference. Ireland — with its deep roots in agriculture and its long tradition of international engagement — is proud to put forward a candidate of this calibre.
Phil Hogan’s candidacy has the full support of the Irish Government, and he is actively seeking EU Commission support as a common European candidate.