II.

Structure

At present the organization represents 187 member countries plus the European Union; it is headed by a director general. Each member nation has one vote in the general conference, the policymaking body that convenes once every two years to approve programs, budgets, and rules of procedure, as well as to make recommendations on agricultural questions. The 49-member FAO council meets between conference sessions to monitor the world food situation and suggest necessary action. The council's committees deal with problems on agriculture, commodities, forestry, and fisheries. The third organ, the secretariat, is responsible for implementing FAO programs. Main headquarters is in Rome, Italy.