A Clear Vision for the FAO
The FAO faces some of the most complex and consequential challenges in its history. Conflict, climate change, geopolitical instability and economic disruption are combining to drive food insecurity to levels not seen in decades. The next Director General must bring not just experience — but a clear strategic direction.
Phil Hogan’s vision is grounded in three decades of practical engagement with agricultural policy, global trade and international institutions. He is running on a platform of evidence-based reform, inclusive multilateralism and sustained commitment to the FAO’s core mission.
Priority 1
Global Food Security & Resilience
Food security is not a future challenge — it is a present crisis. Globally, the fight against hunger is being lost, driven by conflict, climate shocks and economic disruption. The FAO must be at the forefront of coordinating international responses, building resilient food systems and ensuring that no country faces food insecurity alone.
Phil Hogan will prioritise the strengthening of early warning systems, emergency food response mechanisms, and long-term investment in food system resilience — working across member states to ensure coordinated, evidence-led action.
Priority 2
Sustainable Agriculture & Climate Action
Feeding a growing global population sustainably is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century. Agriculture must become both more productive and more environmentally responsible — and these goals are not in conflict.
Drawing on his experience leading the CAP reform and chairing the EU’s Agri-food Systems Innovation Group, Phil Hogan will bring a practical, farmer-centred approach to sustainability — one that combines innovation, regenerative practices and climate action without undermining food production.
Priority 3
International Trade & Food Systems
Open, rules-based trade is fundamental to global food security. Countries facing shortages need access to international markets. Producers need fair access to global customers. The FAO has a critical role in supporting the trade frameworks that make this possible.
As former EU Trade Commissioner, Phil Hogan brings direct experience of high-stakes multilateral trade negotiations and a strong commitment to embedding sustainability and development standards in international commerce.
Priority 4
Reform & Institutional Leadership
The FAO is a vital institution, but like all large multilateral bodies, it must continually evolve to remain effective. Phil Hogan brings demonstrated experience of large-scale institutional reform — from restructuring Irish local government to spearheading EU agricultural policy reform — and will bring that same commitment to the FAO.
He will prioritise transparency, efficiency and member state engagement — ensuring the FAO delivers maximum impact with the resources entrusted to it by its 190+ member states.