FAO's history in North America
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has deep roots in North America. The Organization was conceived in Hot Springs, Virginia in 1943, when 44 governments gathered and agreed on the need for a permanent organization in the field of food, agriculture and nutrition. On 16 October 1945, FAO was established as a specialized agency of the newly created United Nations at a historic meeting in Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, Canada. “Fiat panis” (Let there be bread) was selected as the FAO motto by the first Director-General, Sir John Boyd Orr. FAO’s first headquarters was based in Washington, D.C., until it was moved to Rome, Italy in 1951.
FAO’s mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agriculture productivity and better the lives of rural populations. FAO shares a common vision with Canada and the United States of achieving a world without hunger and poverty. Both member states have played a leadership role in FAO since its inception almost 80 years ago and are among the Organization’s largest financial supporters. FAO continues to work closely with both countries with the support of the Liaison Office for North America based in Washington, D.C.
Photo Gallery
The Chateau Frontenac, Quebec
In Quebec City, Canada, the first session of the newly created United Nations establishes the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a specialized UN agency. Washington D.C. is designated as a temporary FAO headquarters.
Mr. Lester B. Pearson, Chairman of the Conference
15 October 1945 - Representatives of nearly 40 nations formed the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), designed to ensure adequate food supplies to the world.
Norris E. Dodd, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (1949-1954)
01 April 1948, Washington, DC - Norris E. Dodd on his appointment as Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization at a special session.
Special Session of the FAO Conference in Washington, DC
November 1950 - Reunion of Delegations to the first FAO Conference, attending the Special Session of the FAO Conference in Washington, DC. At the Conference, FAO's total effective membership rose to 66.
FAO headquarters in Washington, DC
The Longfellow Building, located at Connecticut and Rhode Island Avenue NW, served as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters from 1948 to 1951.
FAO headquarters transferred to Rome
Signing the Agreement: Mr. N.E. Dodd, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Representative of the Italian Government, Ambassador Buti.