The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened nominations for the FAO Award for Innovation 2026, a global recognition that celebrates bold ideas and practical solutions transforming food and agriculture systems.

As innovation reshapes how food is produced, processed, traded, and consumed, this award highlights initiatives that make agrifood systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable—from farm to consumer.

About the Award

The FAO Award for Innovation honors outstanding achievements that align with FAO’s mandate. It is open to both FAO Members and non-state partners whose work demonstrates meaningful progress in strengthening agrifood value chains and improving food systems worldwide.

The award recognizes innovations across technology, policy, institutional mechanisms, business models, and social solutions that deliver measurable impact and long-term value.

What Kind of Innovations Are Considered?

Successful nominations typically demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Impact across multiple stages of the food supply chain, from producers to consumers

• Stronger connections between farmers and consumers, including transparency, traceability, or sustainability labeling

• High quality and originality of the innovation

• Clear social, environmental, or economic benefits

• Scalability and long-term sustainability

• Cost-effectiveness and value for money

• Meaningful involvement of youth (under 35), women, or marginalized groups

The award will be formally presented by the FAO Director-General during a special ceremony at the 181st session of the FAO Council, scheduled for 30 November – 6 December 2026.

Key Dates

• December 2025 – Call for nominations opens

• February 2026 – Nominations close

• March–April 2026 – Screening process

• May 2026 – Final selection

• December 2026 – Award ceremony

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.