The Subsidiary Intergovernmental Groups (IGGs) of the CCP were established to focus on trade issues for individual commodities. Coverage has shifted over time to reflect changing market and institutional factors affecting commodities—from distribution issues to new emerging issues, such as surplus disposal and price volatility.
Both producer and consumer countries take part in the IGG forums for intergovernmental consultation and exchange on trends in production, consumption, trade, and prices of key commodities. This includes regular appraisals of global markets and short-term outlooks. The IGGs consider changes in policies and examine their effects in terms of current and prospective markets.
Events are frequently organized in conjunction with the IGG forums. The aim of these events is to facilitate dialogue among FAO delegates, international policymakers, and the private sector.
Attendance
The IGG sessions are open to official delegates and observers only, appointed by an FAO Member Nation or an Associate Member. Delegations from other UN Members that are not Members or Associate Members of FAO may also attend sessions as observers.
How to become an IGG delegate or observer
The IGG sessions are open to official delegates and observers only. Delegates are individuals appointed by an FAO Member Nation or an Associate Member to attend the session, including alternates, associates, and advisers.
Delegations from nations that are not Member Nations or Associate Members of FAO, but are Members of the United Nations or any of its Specialized Agencies, may request to attend FAO sessions with observer status.
The credentials of delegates, alternates, associates, and advisers, as well as representatives of participating international organizations, should be deposited with the Director-General as far as possible. These credentials must be issued by, or on behalf of, the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister of Foreign Affairs, or the relevant Minister. A Permanent Representative to the Organization does not require special credentials if their letter of accreditation specifies that they are authorized to represent their government at sessions of the Conference. However, this does not preclude the Government from accrediting another delegate or delegates.