The food and agriculture organization of the United Nations turns 50 to 1995. The representatives of 44 countries signed the organization into existence on 16 October 1945 with the objectives to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living and improve the efficiency of food production and distribution and better the condition of rura1 populations that would result in an expanded world economy so as to ensure humanity’s freedom from hunger.

After a half century of activity, FAO has 171 members. There have definitely been improvements in nutrition and food production in specific regions over the past 50 years but population growth and other problems continue to frustrate across the plane progress. In the developing countries 800 million people are chronically undernourished. Among them, 192 million children under the age of five suffer from acute protein and energy deficiencies.

FAO looks beyond promoting food production to examining conditions for a stage food supply and ensuring that all people at all times have both the physical and economic access to basic food requirements. FAO functions by collecting. analyzing and disseminating information on livestock, food and nutrition, providing a forum for information exchange. dialogue and debate, offering independent advice on the preparation and implementation of food and agricultural policy and lending technical assistance in all these areas.

FAO fervently. believes that its 50^th anniversary should he the occasion to raise public awareness and to promote political commitment at the highest level for a global campaign to eradicate-hunger and undernutrition and provide food security for all. On instrument October 1995, a commemoration will be held in Quebec City, Canada. where the Instrument creating F.A.O was signed.

F.A.O enters its second half century of operation committed to its mission on helping people to grow more and better food. It is asking for all people of good will to assist it in this noble task.