Every year on October 16, we celebrate World Food Day, a global event organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle against hunger. This year, as we focus on the #RightToFood, we are reminded that access to sufficient, nutritious food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. Yet, hunger and malnutrition remain widespread, with millions of people lacking access to enough food to lead healthy, productive lives.

World Food Day serves as a call to action, encouraging governments, institutions, and individuals to unite in the global fight against hunger and food insecurity. One of the critical components of this effort is empowering people with knowledge. And this is where AGRIS—the International System for Agricultural Science and Technology—plays a pivotal role.

What is AGRIS?

AGRIS, managed by FAO, is an international database that provides access to millions of agricultural and food research publications from around the world. It is a vital resource for scientists, researchers, policymakers, and anyone involved in food security and sustainable agriculture. Through its extensive repository of technical and scientific information, AGRIS ensures that agricultural practices, food production, and nutrition are accessible to a global audience in over 100 languages.

The power of AGRIS lies in its ability to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and solutions for global challenges. It ensures that researchers and their outputs become accessible to those who need it most—especially in developing countries where food insecurity is prevalent.

How AGRIS Supports the Right to Food

• Access to Knowledge: AGRIS provides research on food systems, agriculture, and nutrition to the global community, fostering innovation and better practices.
• Global Collaboration: AGRIS collaborates with hundreds of national and international institutions to pool resources from research centers worldwide, enhancing the global understanding of food security challenges and solutions.
• Strengthening Food Security: AGRIS data supports research for developing sustainable food production methods, including crop improvements, resource management, and food processing—essential for ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.
• Assisting Policymakers: AGRIS supports national and international policymakers by providing access to evidence-based research and shaping food security policies based on the best available science.

As we observe World Food Day 2024, the theme of "The Right to Food" reminds us of the need to eliminate hunger and ensure food for all. AGRIS contributes to this by providing open access to agricultural research, ensuring that data and innovations can be used to improve food systems worldwide.

This World Food Day, take a moment to explore how you can contribute to achieving #RightToFood. Visit AGRIS and discover a wealth of knowledge that can inspire solutions for a hunger-free world.

Together, we can achieve this goal, leaving no one behind.