18 January 2020, Berlin, Germany – Today, Ragnar Viikoja from Estonia and Aniecea Wiggan from Jamaica, addressed the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference at the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
As representatives of the WFO Young Farmers’ Delegation at the 12th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA 2020), they had the great opportunity to deliver in front of over 70 Ministers of Agriculture from all over the world a high-level statement on fair trade measures that leave no one behind.
In the coming years, young farmers are called to play a crucial role to increase agricultural productivity sustainably and ensure global food security. Still, they need a fair trade system that supports sustainability in its three dimensions (environmental, social and economic).
To this extent, they urge and invite the Agricultural Ministers across the globe to consider the needs and expectations of farmers, especially young farmers, in the decision-making process:
- Training and education equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to sustainably produce quality products that meet the markets’ standards, both locally and internationally.
- Encouraging the development of cooperatives lets farmers gain better profits.
- Strengthening farmers´ position in the supply chain by improved and transparent market regulations ensures proper income for the farmers.
Young farmers present a huge goldmine that can provide a solution to the main challenges of the 21st century. Their energy and passion, empowered with the right tools and measures, will give a boost to the entire agricultural sector towards a sustainable future for all.