
On July 2, the final day of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s biennial conference, member countries unanimously approved a regular program budget of more than $1 billion for FAO over the next two years.
The money will cover the full implementation of the proposed program of work and the immediate plan of action for FAO renewal, according to a news release from the organization.
“Members called on the Director-General to make efficiency gains and one time-savings of $34.5 million beyond the economies that he had already programmed,” the release added.
On June 26, FAO member states elected Jose Graziano da Silva to succeed long-serving Jacques Diouf of Senegal as head of the U.N. agency.
In addition to its core budget, FAO looks to receive $1.4 billion in voluntary contributions from members and partners during 2012-2013 period.
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