FAO Call for Nominations: Best Practices and Innovations in Fruits and Vegetables Value Chains – Apply By 27 April 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a global call for nominations to support the development of a major report titled “Unlocking the Full Potential of Fruits and Vegetables Globally.” This initiative seeks to highlight the critical role that fruits and vegetables play in advancing food security, improving nutrition, and strengthening livelihoods worldwide.
Fruits and vegetables are essential components of sustainable agrifood systems. They contribute significantly to human health by providing vital nutrients, while also supporting millions of small-scale producers across diverse regions. Their production and value chains are increasingly recognized as key drivers of resilience and sustainability in global food systems.
Purpose of the Global Report
The forthcoming FAO report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the fruits and vegetables sector by:
- Showcasing selected case studies featuring scalable and replicable innovations
- Identifying key trends, challenges, and opportunities across value chains
- Highlighting best practices from production to consumption
- Delivering evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders
The report will serve as a strategic resource to inform decision-making and promote transformative actions within agrifood systems globally.
Call for Case Studies
FAO is inviting submissions of case studies that demonstrate innovative approaches and best practices within fruits and vegetables value chains. These submissions should reflect either:
- Proven interventions with measurable, real-world impacts
- Emerging innovations with strong potential for future impact
Case studies may cover a broad range of thematic areas, including:
- Agronomic practices
- Biological innovations
- Nutritional improvements
- Socioeconomic impacts
- Environmental sustainability
Submissions should align with the definition of fruits and vegetables as outlined during the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021, which includes edible plant parts such as:
- Leaves
- Roots
- Stems
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Buds
These may be cultivated or harvested from the wild and consumed either raw or minimally processed.
Exclusions
For the purpose of this initiative, the following categories are excluded from consideration:
- Starchy roots and tubers (e.g., cassava, potato)
- Dry grain legumes
- Cereals (unless harvested immature)
- Nuts and seeds
- Medicinal plants
- Stimulants such as coffee, cacao, and tea
- Processed or ultra-processed products
Eligibility Criteria
Submissions are open to a wide range of stakeholders operating at different levels, including:
- Research and academic institutions
- Government agencies
- Private sector organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Farmers’ associations
- Civil society organizations
Both established practices and emerging innovations are eligible, provided they demonstrate relevance and potential for broader application.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants are required to submit their case studies through the official online submission platform. The submission form will request detailed information, including:
- Description of the practice or innovation
- Evidence of impact or expected outcomes
- Identification of key stakeholders and beneficiaries
- Assessment of scalability and adaptability in different contexts
Important notes:
- All submissions must be complete and submitted before the deadline
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
For additional inquiries, applicants may contact FAO via email at: [email protected]
Deadline
- Submission deadline: 27 April 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit well in advance to ensure consideration.
Review and Selection Process
All submitted case studies will undergo a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an expert panel appointed by FAO. Submissions will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Impact and Practical Application
- Demonstrated effectiveness and measurable results
- Innovation and Originality
- Uniqueness of the approach and its transformative potential
- Inclusivity and Social Impact
- Contribution to gender equality, youth participation, and inclusion of indigenous communities
- Scalability and Replicability
- Potential for adaptation and implementation across different regions and contexts
Selected case studies will be featured in the global report, providing international visibility and recognition.
Strategic Importance
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for organizations and practitioners to contribute to shaping the future of global agrifood systems. By sharing innovative solutions and successful practices, contributors can influence policy, inspire replication, and drive sustainable change at scale.
Participation in this call also enables stakeholders to:
- Gain global recognition for impactful work
- Contribute to international knowledge sharing
- Support evidence-based policymaking
- Strengthen networks within the agrifood sector
Conclusion
FAO encourages all eligible organizations and stakeholders to participate in this global initiative. By contributing case studies, participants play a vital role in advancing sustainable fruits and vegetables value chains and supporting resilient food systems worldwide.
This call represents more than a submission opportunity—it is a platform to amplify solutions that can transform livelihoods, improve nutrition, and foster sustainability on a global scale.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization calling for nominations. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
