Over €39 Million in International Development and Humanitarian Funding

More than 670 million people remain undernourished, while over two billion cannot afford a healthy diet.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, announced over €39 million in international development assistance to address global hunger and food insecurity. This includes €4.34 million in funding to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for 2025 and the forthcoming payment of Ireland’s €35 million commitment to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) for 2026.

Announcing the funding, Minister Heydon highlighted the continued severity of global hunger, noting that the 2025 State of Food Insecurity and Nutrition in the World report confirms that more than 670 million people remain undernourished, while over two billion cannot afford a healthy diet.

“Ireland stands in solidarity with the communities most affected by hunger and with our multilateral partners, WFP and FAO,” Minister Heydon said. “This funding supports life-saving food assistance while also strengthening local agri-food systems, nutrition and resilience. Agriculture remains central to ending hunger and malnutrition.”

He added that conflict, climate shocks and economic pressures continue to drive food insecurity, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. “Ireland’s support responds to immediate humanitarian needs while investing in sustainable food systems where they are needed most.”

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain welcomed Ireland’s continued commitment, describing Ireland as a longstanding and reliable partner. She noted that the funding would enhance WFP’s capacity to respond to unprecedented humanitarian needs driven by conflict, extreme weather and economic instability, and underlined the importance of continued collaboration as Ireland prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026.

The total €39.44 million in assistance reflects Ireland’s strong commitment to tackling hunger through targeted, practical interventions delivered in partnership with trusted international organisations. Funding will support both emergency food assistance and longer-term initiatives to strengthen sustainable agri-food systems and rural livelihoods.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the lead department for Ireland’s engagement with WFP and FAO. WFP is the UN’s frontline humanitarian agency responding to acute hunger crises, while FAO leads global efforts to defeat hunger by improving nutrition, food security and sustainable agriculture.

Ireland’s 2025 FAO funding includes support for emergency food production in Haiti following Hurricane Melissa, initiatives to strengthen the right to food in conflict-affected contexts, and programmes empowering women-led agri-food enterprises in Pacific Small Island Developing States.