The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is calling on innovators around the world to showcase solutions that are transforming food and agriculture. The FAO Award for Innovation recognizes outstanding initiatives that improve agrifood systems, making them more efficient, inclusive and sustainable.
This global award is open to individuals, institutions, civil society groups, research organizations, private sector entities and even FAO employees. It highlights work that has a real-world impact and aligns with FAO’s mission to promote sustainable development and food security worldwide.
The award is not just a recognition, it is an opportunity to shine a light on solutions that strengthen the connection between farmers and consumers, improve supply chains and introduce creative ways to address challenges in agriculture, food production and rural development. FAO emphasizes innovations that are practical, scalable and inclusive, particularly those that engage youth under 35, women and marginalized groups.
Applications for the 2026 FAO Award for Innovation are now open, with a submission deadline of February 15. Interested participants can apply through FAO’s official link: https://lnkd.in/ea4JG6w8.
Criteria and Selection Process
To qualify, innovations must show measurable impact, whether at one or multiple levels of the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. FAO is looking for initiatives that demonstrate how they improve efficiency, foster sustainability and provide tangible benefits to communities. Examples include tracking sustainability features of traded food products, introducing innovative institutional mechanisms or creating new ways for farmers and consumers to connect directly.
The award assesses both specific and general criteria. Specific criteria focus on the direct impact on supply chains and the strengthening of farmer-consumer links. General criteria evaluate the quality and merit of the innovation, its scalability, potential benefits, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and inclusivity.
Nominations can be submitted through FAO Representatives in countries with accredited offices or through regional and subregional representatives where no country office exists. The proposals must reflect achievements made during the biennium preceding the current year, highlighting results that demonstrate real-world impact.
The selection process includes screening in March and April, followed by the final selection in May. The award will then be presented during a special ceremony at the 181st session of the FAO Council, scheduled for 30 November to 6 December 2026. The FAO Director-General will personally confer the award to the recipient or the representative of the winning institution.
By recognizing innovation, FAO aims to inspire more solutions that address critical challenges in food and agriculture, especially as the world faces growing demands for sustainable and resilient food systems. The award encourages creators to develop approaches that are inclusive and equitable, while also emphasizing the role of youth, women and marginalized communities in driving transformative change.
This initiative offers a platform for groundbreaking ideas to gain visibility on a global stage, potentially attracting support, partnerships and further investment. It also reinforces the importance of innovation in achieving FAO’s broader goals of food security, sustainability and inclusive economic development.
For innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and organizations working in food, agriculture and rural development, the FAO Award for Innovation represents an opportunity to be recognized for impactful work and contribute to shaping the future of agrifood systems worldwide.
Key Dates
- December 2025 – Call for nominations opens
- February 15, 2026 – Submission deadline
- March/April 2026 – Screening of applications
- May 2026 – Selection of winners
- 30 November–6 December 2026 – Award ceremony at FAO Council
