The FAO Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Rice represents a forum for intergovernmental consultation and exchange on trends in production, consumption, trade, stocks and prices of grains, including regular appraisal of the global market situation and short term outlook. The IGG, under FAO auspices, considers changes in national policies and examines their international effects as they pertain to current and prospective markets. The group meets once every two years. Recent sessions have been held jointly with the IGG on grains.

Increasingly, technical side events are organized in conjunction with the IGG to facilitate a dialogue between FAO delegates, international policy makers, and the private sector. Linkages with other international organizations and commodity bodies are encouraged.

Membership in the Group is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO, including Observers from international organizations and institutions. Nearly all rice importing and exporting countries are members of the IGG.