Project implementation is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2026

1 July 2026 – The World Rural Forum is launching the sixth edition of the Challenge Fund for National Committees of Family Farming (NCFFs), with the support and funding of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Project implementation is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2026, with a duration of 12 months.

The objective of the call is to strengthen the capacities of NCFFs to contribute effectively and in a structured manner to policy dialogue, and to the development and implementation of National Action Plans on Family Farming within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028 (UNDFF), as well as to other policies in favour of family farming that help advance more inclusive, sustainable and resilient food systems in selected IFAD beneficiary countries.

The Challenge Fund is managed by the World Rural Forum with funding and support from IFAD, in collaboration with FAO, in accordance with the mandate entrusted by the United Nations General Assembly to the FAO-IFAD joint secretariat to ensure the coordination and implementation of the UNDFF.

This sixth edition of the Challenge Fund for National Committees of Family Farming builds on the continuity of the 5th Challenge Fund, implemented between September 2024 and December 2025, which benefited 12 National Committees of Family Farming.

The terms and conditions of the call are detailed in the document “Call for proposals — Challenge Fund for National Committees of Family Farming: guidance document for applicants”. The planned grant for each project will range from a minimum of USD 10,000 to a maximum of USD 25,000.

NCFFs must complete the Application File and budget sheet and submit them, together with the required documentation, by 31 July 2026 to the following address: challengefund@ruralforum.org.

More than a decade of support for NCFFs

The WRF has been promoting and supporting NCFFs since their creation in 2013, within the framework of the campaign for the implementation of the International Year of Family Farming 2014 (IYFF 2014).

This support and collaboration have remained important over the years, now within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019-2028 (UNDFF). NCFFs, widely recognised in the Decade resolution (A/RES/72/239) and in its Global Action Plan, have been essential since the IYFF 2014 and continue to serve as key dialogue platforms for the implementation of the UNDFF objectives. Their role has also been particularly relevant in the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) and other public policies in favour of family farming.

The Challenge Fund for National Committees of Family Farming, funded by IFAD, has had editions in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021 —the latter with the support and funding of the EU—, as well as a 5th edition between September 2024 and December 2025. This new call offers an excellent opportunity for NCFFs to promote strong and proactive policies in favour of family farming in their respective countries.