Evaluation of FAO's contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Support to fair and informed commodity markets and international trade in agriculture

The 2030 Agenda acknowledges that transparent, undistorted and properly functioning food and agricultural markets are an essential element in the global effort to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture (Sustainable Development Goal 2 [SDG 2]). This review examines how FAO supports transparent and inclusive commodity markets and international food and agricultural trade, contributing to the achievement of SDG 2. It was conducted primarily through a review of key documents and interviews with stakeholders.The study found that FAO contributes to the proper functioning of agricultural markets, in particular, by facilitating timely access to market information (SDG target 2.c), ensuring greater transparency in international commodity markets, and providing regular and timely updates on crop conditions, price movements and global supply and demand. FAO’s contribution is aided by comparative advantages arising from its extensive data architecture, involvement in strategic partnerships, reputation as a neutral forum and broad agricultural commodity and country coverage, among other things. The study reveals a need for greater support in the areas of inclusiveness, equality and capacity building in agricultural trade.