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The annual progress and programme reports supplied to FAO by all member Governments provide the material on which the organization bases its studies of the world food and agricultural situations, which are the background for discussion at the annual session of conference and the basis of recommendations to Governments as to future action. The 1949 annual report was somewhat broader in scope than in the past and included a section on the general economy of the country and the place of agriculture in the national economy. Work has continued on the routine aspects of FAO's requirements, the preparation of food balance-sheets, and the supplying of statistical information generally. In addition, reports have been supplied on a number of specialized items, including one on co-operative organizations in New Zealand farming prepared in connection with a conference on agricultural co-operatives held in India in October, and a report on milk and fats in connection with a fairly comprehensive study of the world oils and fats position, to be read at the next session of the conference of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers. A project of considerable interest and importance to plant breeders is the compilation of a world catalogue of genetic plant stocks. Information on wheat and rice was collected during the year and it is intended to broaden the scope of the catalogue as circumstances permit. A somewhat similar project of interest to New Zealand, a world catalogue of forage plants, was inaugurated during the year. President Truman's plan of technical assistance to under-developed countries in which FAO is to play a leading part was introduced in 1949. As background material in matters where New Zealand's experience could prove of assistance to an underdeveloped country, a comprehensive report on seed certification was prepared and a further report on land development is nearing completion. The Division has continued to disseminate information from FAO among State Departments, producer boards, farmer's organizations, the agricultural colleges, and other interested bodies. FAO data were utilized in the preparation of graphical material shown at the Royal Society's Exhibition in Wellington on " Science and Food."

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