The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) is proud to announce the official approval and launch of the GFRAS Strategy 2026–2035, endorsed by the General Assembly in May 2026.

Developed through an extensive global consultation process involving regional networks, Country Fora, advisory practitioners, partners, researchers, policymakers, and rural advisory actors worldwide, the strategy sets a bold new direction for the future of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS).

At a time of accelerating climate change, digital transformation, market volatility, and growing pressure on agrifood systems, the strategy positions advisory services not simply as channels for technology transfer, but as essential system infrastructure connecting innovation, markets, policy, and farmers’ realities.

Under the vision that “Rural advisory services are recognised, resourced, and valued as essential infrastructure for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems,” the strategy outlines six Strategic Fields of Action:

• Capacity Development and Professionalisation
• Advocacy and Strategic Dialogue
• Thought Leadership
• Network Strengthening and Strategic Partnerships
• Scaling Innovations for Impact
• Knowledge and Information Management

The strategy also reinforces GFRAS’ unique role as a neutral global network-of-networks, convening actors across public institutions, farmer organisations, research bodies, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector.

“This strategy reflects a deliberate shift toward system stewardship and strategic leverage,” the document notes, recognising the growing complexity and pluralism of advisory ecosystems worldwide.

Over the next decade, GFRAS and its regional and national networks will focus on strengthening advisory competencies, fostering collaboration, elevating practitioner knowledge, supporting innovation scaling, and ensuring advisory systems are fully integrated into broader agrifood transformation agendas.

The strategy marks not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new chapter for the global advisory community.

Read the full strategy here: 

Together, we move from isolated projects to connected systems. From innovation alone to innovation that reaches people. From fragmentation to collective impact.

The future of advisory systems starts now!