Elevating the Role of Family Farmers Through the UN Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF)

Family farmers are the backbone of global agriculture, producing over 80% of the world’s food in value terms. They play a key role in sustaining rural communities, preserving biodiversity, and advancing food security. At the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) promoting the vital role of family farmers is a core priority of its advocacy efforts.

In December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019–2028 (UNDFF). To support its implementation, a Global Action Plan was launched in 2019, providing a comprehensive framework to promote family farming and guide the development of enabling policies at all levels.

WFO is an active member of the UNDFF International Steering Committee (ISC), the Decade’s main governance body, and was appointed Vice Chair in May 2024. The ISC brings together Member States and regional and global farmers’ organisations to oversee implementation, monitor progress, and provide strategic guidance.

In close coordination with its member organisations, WFO promotes the needs and priorities of family farmers across all regions. This includes gathering concrete evidence and case studies on the multifunctional role of family farming, showcasing how national farmers’ organisations support and empower family farmers in building resilience and improving livelihoods.

WFO also works in partnership with FAO and IFAD to support the development of a Modular Training Programme on the Public Policy Cycle for Family Farming, a capacity-building tool aimed at strengthening policy development and implementation by both state and non-state actors.

WFO is committed to driving forward the implementation of the UNDFF Global Action Plan and advancing farmer-oriented policymaking that empowers family farmers — particularly women and youth — to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and prosperity of family farming communities worldwide.