While global climate-related development finance grew by 12% between 2022 and 2023, funding for agrifood systems stagnated at only 1%. Experts warn that this underinvestment could limit opportunities for low-emission, resilient food production.

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, FAO highlighted a stark imbalance in climate-related investments. Forestry, livestock, fisheries, and crop production together received only 4% of total climate-related development finance, and direct support for agrifood systems barely increased, stagnating at 1%. “For a sector that can deliver major climate benefits, this gap is not only unequal—it is a lost opportunity,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.

FAO promoted initiatives including RAIZ for resilient agriculture, TERRA for agroforestry and agroecology, the Bioeconomy Challenge, and Brazil’s Tropical Forest Forever Facility. These efforts aim to link sustainable production with climate action, but their impact depends heavily on addressing the funding gap.

FAO also released data on greenhouse gas emissions, extreme heat risks, and adaptation gaps for vulnerable farmers, emphasizing the need for more targeted investments. The FAST Partnership will continue to support agrifood systems in global climate discussions and post-COP implementation.