Interview Pernilla Ivarsson

What are you working with today? 
I am representing Sweden in the governing bodies of FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. I am also accredited bilaterally to Italy as agricultural attaché – which means following what is happening in Italy with respect to food and agriculture policies.

Tell us a little about your background. 
I have a Master's degree of Agricultural Sciences from Ultuna, SLU. After I started my career at SLU in Alnarp as a research assistant, I have been working as a civil servant in governmental offices in many positions, responsible for food policy, negotiating for Sweden, at the time as we became members of the European Union and later from our representation in Brussels, during the Swedish Presidency. During the early nineties I worked in Brussels as a fonctionnaire for EFTA (European Free Trade Association) surveillance authority at the implementation of the EEA agreement. I have also had managerial positions in the Ministry as Director, responsible for environment, rural development and food and veterinary issues.

How did your interest in international issues arise?
Very early on as a student at Ultuna I was active in the IAAS (International Association of Agricultural Students). When I graduated Sweden was not yet a member of the EU, but the negotiations for a Swedish membership and then implementation and later enlargement of the EU have very much been part of my professional life.

How did you get a job at the Embassy and FAO?
I applied and went through a thorough recruitment process.

What is it like to work with an international organisation?
My present position as Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO is extremely interesting. FAO’s mandate is firmly focussed on global food security for all through sustainable use of natural resources. As centre of excellence, FAO is tasked with providing us (governments, farmers, consumers and other stakeholders) with the best tools possible and policy advice on how to meet the challenges. Especially now with the Covid-19 pandemic and in a little longer perspective we need to gather and follow the best knowledge available, to increase resilience and avoiding health crises turning into more serious food security crises.

The conditions here this spring has of course been very special which means that all contacts have taken place though virtual means. I am really looking forward to be able to meet up with colleagues from other delegations and with FAO experts in person as the situation stabilises.