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Nominations open for Innovation Award 2026

Deadline: 15-Feb-2026

The FAO Award for Innovation recognises groundbreaking innovations across agrifood systems that enhance food security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and resilience. Open to FAO Members, organizations, and individuals, the award evaluates innovations based on impact, scalability, accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity, particularly for youth, women, and marginalized groups. Winners receive a scroll describing their achievements and a USD 10,000 cash prize.

Program Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) established the FAO Award for Innovation to acknowledge pioneering initiatives that improve agrifood systems globally. The award highlights innovations that strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable practices, enhance resilience, and support inclusive economic growth.

Focus Areas and Themes

Eligible innovations should address one or more of the following:

  • Supply Chain Impact: Innovations that positively affect multiple levels, from small-scale producers to consumers.

  • Linkages: Strengthening connections between producers and consumers through innovative institutional, policy, financial, or social mechanisms.

  • Technological Solutions: Use of digital tools, innovation hubs, platforms connecting producers and consumers, or other technological innovations.

  • Market Access: Innovative ways to improve access to markets and consumers.

  • Innovation Quality: Demonstrated merit, scalability, sustainability, and value for money.

  • Inclusivity: Innovations that involve youth (under 35), women, or marginalized groups.

  • Environmental and Economic Benefits: Contribution to food security, nutrition, sustainable natural resource management, and economic development.

Definition of Innovation

Agricultural innovation under this award is defined as the introduction of new or existing products, processes, or organizational methods for the first time in a specific context. Innovations may:

  • Solve existing problems in new ways

  • Apply proven solutions to new challenges

  • Introduce new solutions in new contexts

  • Include technological, social, financial, policy, institutional, or sustainable production innovations (e.g., agroecology, new business models)

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

All innovations must fall within FAO’s mandate and demonstrate measurable impact, sustainability, and potential for broader replication.

Award Details

  • Recognition: Scroll describing recipient’s achievements

  • Cash Prize: USD 10,000

  • Assessment Criteria: Impact, scalability, accessibility, sustainability, inclusivity, value for money, and overall contribution to food security, nutrition, and resilient agrifood systems

How to Apply

  1. Confirm your innovation aligns with FAO’s mandate and award criteria

  2. Prepare a comprehensive description of the innovation, including objectives, impact, scalability, sustainability, and inclusivity

  3. Submit supporting documentation, such as evidence of implementation, outcomes, and engagement with youth, women, or marginalized groups

  4. Follow FAO’s official submission procedures through the designated platform or call for applications

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Highlight measurable outcomes and evidence of impact

  • Demonstrate how the innovation addresses specific challenges in agrifood systems

  • Explain the innovation’s scalability and potential for replication

  • Emphasize inclusivity, particularly engagement with youth, women, or marginalized communities

  • Showcase sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who can apply for the FAO Award for Innovation?
A: FAO Members, individuals, international/regional organizations, academic/research entities, civil society, and private sector organizations.

Q: What types of innovations are eligible?
A: Technological, social, financial, policy, institutional, or sustainable production innovations within FAO’s mandate.

Q: What are the evaluation criteria?
A: Impact, scalability, sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, value for money, and alignment with FAO priorities.

Q: Is there a monetary prize?
A: Yes, winners receive USD 10,000 and a scroll recognizing their achievements.

Q: Can innovations target specific groups?
A: Yes, innovations involving youth (under 35), women, or marginalized communities are encouraged.

Q: Can non-FAO members apply?
A: Yes, individuals, institutions, and organizations not affiliated with FAO may apply if their innovation aligns with FAO’s mandate.

Q: How is innovation defined for this award?
A: Introduction of new or existing products, processes, or organizational methods for the first time in a specific context to improve effectiveness, competitiveness, resilience, or sustainability in agrifood systems.

Conclusion

The FAO Award for Innovation celebrates transformative contributions to agrifood systems worldwide. By recognizing impactful, scalable, and inclusive innovations, the award encourages sustainable practices, enhances food security, and promotes equitable economic development across communities.

For more information, visit FAO.