The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are expanding their global capacity-building initiatives through a series of international agriculture training programmes focused on trade, food security, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.
The programmes are designed to strengthen the skills of professionals working in agriculture, trade policy, food security, and sustainable development. Participants will gain knowledge and practical tools to address global challenges including climate change, food insecurity, changing trade systems, and agricultural transformation.
The training programmes will continue into 2027, with online courses available for participants across Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and other regions.
About UNITAR and FAO Agriculture Programmes
Organization: United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Programme Category: Agriculture, Trade, Food Security and Nutrition Training
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: Free
Certificate: UNITAR–FAO Certificate of Completion
Target Audience: Government officials, agriculture professionals, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and civil society organizations
The training initiative is delivered through a partnership between:
United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNITAR
UNITAR is the United Nations training arm established in 1965. It provides learning opportunities that strengthen individual and institutional capacities to support sustainable development and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Food and Agriculture Organization FAO
FAO is a specialized United Nations agency working to improve agriculture, food systems, nutrition, and rural development worldwide.
Together, UNITAR and FAO provide professional learning opportunities that support policymakers and practitioners involved in agricultural transformation.
Available International Agriculture Training Programmes 2027
Trade, Food Security and Nutrition Asia and the Pacific Programme 2027
Training Period: 1 February – 5 March 2027
Language: English
Format: Online Training
This programme focuses on the relationship between:
- Agricultural trade agreements
- Food security
- Nutrition policies
- Sustainable development
- Regional food systems
Applications will become available in Q3 of 2026.
Trade, Food Security and Nutrition MENA Region Programme 2027
Training Period: 14 March – 10 April 2027
Language: Arabic
Format: Online Training
The programme will support professionals working in the Middle East and North Africa region by strengthening knowledge on:
- Food security strategies
- Agricultural trade policies
- Nutrition outcomes
- Sustainable food systems
Applications will open in Q3 of 2026.
Agriculture in Trade Agreements Middle East Programme
Language: Arabic
Delivery Period: 2026 cycle
Target countries include:
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Morocco
- Oman
- Palestine
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Trade, Food Security and Nutrition Africa Programme
Language: English
Region: Eastern and Southern Africa
Countries eligible include:
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Ethiopia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Eswatini
- Burundi
- Angola
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Comoros
The programme focuses on:
- Agricultural trade policies
- Food security challenges
- Nutrition improvement
- Resilience-building strategies
Benefits of UNITAR FAO Agriculture Training Programmes
Participants will gain:
Free Professional Training
The courses are offered free of charge, allowing professionals worldwide to access United Nations learning resources.
International Certificate
Successful participants receive a:
UNITAR–FAO Certificate of Completion
recognizing their participation and achievement.
Flexible Online Learning
The programmes include:
- Self-paced learning modules
- Expert-led webinars
- Case studies
- Discussion forums
- Online assessments
Career Development Opportunities
The training can strengthen careers in:
- Agriculture policy
- Food security
- International development
- Environmental sustainability
- Government programmes
- Research institutions
- NGOs
Global Networking
Participants connect with:
- Government officials
- Researchers
- Agriculture experts
- Development professionals
- International organizations
Eligibility Requirements
The programmes are designed for professionals involved in:
- Agriculture
- Food security
- Nutrition
- Trade policy
- Sustainable development
- Rural development
Eligible applicants include:
- Government officials from agriculture, trade, and finance ministries
- Farmer association representatives
- Civil society organizations
- Academic researchers
- Development practitioners
- Policy advisors
- Technical experts
Application Requirements
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate professional involvement in agriculture, trade, or food security.
- Obtain approval from their institution or supervisor.
- Commit to completing all course activities.
- Participate in assignments and evaluations.
How to Apply for UNITAR FAO Agriculture Training Programmes 2027
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNITAR online learning platform when applications open.
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated professional profile/CV
- Employment information
- Statement explaining their interest
- Institutional approval where required
Why Agriculture Training Programmes Matter in 2027
Global food systems are facing major challenges caused by:
- Climate change
- Population growth
- Supply chain disruptions
- Economic instability
- Changing agricultural markets
Professionals with expertise in sustainable agriculture, food security, and trade policy will play an important role in creating resilient food systems.
Summary Table
| Programme | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNITAR and FAO |
| Field | Agriculture, Trade, Food Security and Nutrition |
| Mode | Fully Online |
| Cost | Free |
| Certificate | UNITAR–FAO Certificate |
| Eligible Applicants | Professionals and policymakers |
| Regions | Africa, Asia-Pacific, Middle East |
| Duration | Several weeks |
| Application Status | Upcoming 2027 Calls |
SEO Keywords
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Conclusion
The UNITAR and FAO International Agriculture Training Programmes 2027 provide a valuable opportunity for agriculture professionals, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners to gain internationally recognized knowledge in food security, agricultural trade, and sustainable food systems.
With free online learning, expert instruction, and a UN-backed certificate, these programmes offer an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to advance their careers and contribute to global agricultural transformation.
