The G20 Meeting of Agriculture Ministers ended today at San Martín Palace, Buenos Aires, with a press conference by the representatives of the G20 troika. Miguel Etchevehere, Argentine Minister of Agribusiness; Julia Klöckner, German Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture; and Atsushi Nonaka, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, underscored the total consensus reached on the global agri-food agenda.
“This meeting needs to be understood within the global context. Our countries account for 60% of the world’s agricultural land and almost 80% of trade in foodstuffs and agricultural products,” said Etchevehere, who listed the key elements in the joint declaration, such as ensuring a collaborative approach towards a sustainable food future, the importance of healthy soils and the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs), among other topics.
“During the meeting we showcased domestic policies, looked at the different challenges we face in meeting national and global demands, as well as the opportunities provided by agriculture and food production in our countries,” he said. “We believe the meeting was a real success and shows that the G20 continues to be the most relevant forum for international coordination.”
German minister Klöckner also welcomed the progress made and highlighted the vital role of digitalization in the agriculture sector. “It makes production more attractive, and we want young people to be attracted by agriculture,” she said.
Japanese vice-minister Nonaka said that the meeting was “meaningful and significant” and that ministers had been able to “voice a powerful message.”
“We covered a broad base, including healthy soils, a sustainable food future and ICTs,” he added.
As regards recent trade tensions, all senior officials agreed on the importance of promoting trade as a driver of progress, as stated in the meeting’s joint declaration. “Protectionism is not the path to follow. It cannot provide answers to the challenges we face today. Trade helps protect global peace,” said Klöckner. “Trade and exchange boost the economy; they create jobs and wealth,” concluded Etchevehere.