On 20 January, Minister Martine Hansen represented Luxembourg at the 16th Conference of Agriculture Ministers in Berlin, the culmination of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), which brought together more than 80 agriculture ministers under the auspices of the German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir.
The challenges of ensuring food security have multiplied in the face of the "zero hunger" objective, the climate emergency, the loss of biodiversity and armed conflicts. At the GFFA forum, the ministers shared their vision of the future of our food systems and the eradication of hunger and malnutrition.
A resilient food system thanks to an agrarian and food policy focused on sustainability
Speaking at a round table, Martine Hansen said: "I welcome the fact that this forum is facilitating international dialogue on agricultural and food policy. We need to work together urgently to promote sustainable agriculture and robust supply chains.
In Luxembourg, our agricultural and food policy instruments encourage more sustainable production of our food. We encourage climate-friendly, resilient and eco-responsible farming practices and promote a holistic approach to food security. We have also strengthened our strategy for reducing the use of plant protection products, combating food waste and promoting our regional and organic products to consumers".
Martine Hansen advocated an alliance with farmers: "In Luxembourg, we've noticed that it's the flexible, reasoned measures that are most successful and that encourage our farmers to produce sustainably."
In the final joint declaration, the ministers undertook to work towards sustainable food systems and resilient supply chains, and to support stakeholders in rural areas, particularly women and young people.
On the fringes of the forum, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture held bilateral talks with her Saarland counterpart, Petra Berg. Martine Hansen also visited the "Grüne Woche" (International Green Week) trade fair devoted to food, agriculture and horticulture, which was held at the same time in Berlin.
Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture