Atoms4Food

A joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Agency, Atoms4Food aims to provide Member States with tailor-made and integrated solutions by harnessing nuclear science and technologies along with other advanced technologies through seven Atoms4Food services.

The initiative aims to improve food security for all by making agri-food system transformation more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable. In 2024, Atoms4Food continued to boost interest among Member States and donors in the application of nuclear techniques in food and agriculture.

In 2024, the Agency developed a comprehensive plan for implementation of the Atoms4Food initiative to optimize the use of nuclear applications for sustainable agri-food system transformation. To set the baselines and analyse specific needs and strategic priorities in Member States, the Atoms4Food Assessment Mission will map countries’ food security and nutrition needs and their comparative advantage in using nuclear, isotopic and associated techniques, as a basis for tailored interventions. A questionnaire has been developed to identify Member States’ priority needs and requirements under Atoms4Food, including in relation to national policies, research and development capacities, technology and infrastructure, and human and financial resources.

As of December 2024, Argentina, Benin, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, the?Niger, the Philippines, Sierra Leone and the United Republic of Tanzania had officially requested support under Atoms4Food. Strong commitment to food safety was demonstrated by Benin and Burkina Faso through national kick-off meetings conducted at the ministerial level.