The Farmers' Forum is a bottom-up process of consultation and dialogue between small farmer, rural producers' organizations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and governments focusing on rural development and poverty reduction. The Forum meets every two years in conjunction with the Governing Council of IFAD. This year's Forum has a particular focus on young farmers and representatives of rural youth movements. This year's themes include sustainable agriculture, sustainable fisheries, institutional development and financial sustainability of farmers' organizations, and engagement with the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).  

dates: 18-23 February 2012   venue: IFAD headquarters   location: Rome, Italy   contact: Jean-Philippe Audinet   e-mail: j.audinet@ifad.org   www: http://www.ifad.org/farmer/index.htm