Created in 1996, the International Agri-Food Network is an informal coalition of international trade associations involved in the agri-food sector at the global level. The aim of the network is to facilitate informal liaison among the professional organizations and towards international organizations in the agri-food chain at global level. The network represents the agri-food business group in a number of international settings, such as the Committee on World Food Security and Nutrition (CFS).
Members of the International Agri-Food Network include thousands of international companies, and hundreds of national associations which represent tens of thousands of small and medium enterprises, thousands of co-operatives, and millions of farmers. For instance, together ICA’s member co-operatives represent nearly 1 billion individuals.
In addition, IAFN works collaboratively with the International Chamber of Commerce and the Farming First coalition. IAFN also consults with an array of other associations and companies that have expressed interest in the work of the UN Committee on World Food Security through a process entitled the private sector mechanism (PSM).
Those wishing to contact the Network can address any of the participating associations or the focal point. The chairpersonship passes from one association to another on a voluntary basis. The current focal point is indicated on the Network’s web site.
Participation is open to any association representing a private sector in the agri-food chain at the global level. Sectors currently involved are listed on this page. Several other sectors that do not yet have an established truly international organization may attend through regional associations. The International Agri-Food Network has been a model for similar groupings at national and regional levels for more than a decade now.
The associations which comprise the Network have members in 135 of the 193 countries in the UN. Download and view the Complete List of Countries with Members (PDF 651KB).