FAO's Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum opens with a record $20.16 billion in proposed agrifood investments
15 October 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization opened its Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Rome on 13 October 2026, as part of the World Food Forum.
Thirty-eight countries and five regional initiatives presented a record $20.16 billion in proposed agrifood investments, against $17.3 billion pitched by governments in 2025.
Since 2022 the Hand-in-Hand Initiative has turned national priorities into 387 investment cases totalling $47.26 billion, with the potential to benefit more than 338 million people.
Of that total, $7.88 billion has been committed or is under negotiation, and participation has expanded to 87 countries.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said too many opportunities are untapped because of high risks, and that Hand-in-Hand is changing how these investments are designed, de-risked and financed.
In plain words
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization — The United Nations agency for food, agriculture and rural development, based in Rome.
De-risking De-risking — Using public money or guarantees to lower the risk a private investor faces.