From 15 to 18 January 2025, a delegation of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO), led by President Arnold Puech d’Alissac, participated in the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), annually organised by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Berlin, Germany.

The 2025 edition united experts from politics, business, science, and civil society under the theme “Farming a Sustainable Bioeconomy”. The discussions focused on the pivotal role of sustainable bioeconomy in strengthening food security, combating the worsening climate crisis, and boosting innovation, with an emphasis on the importance of fair framework conditions for a sustainable bioeconomy.

The WFO delegation included four students from the 4th edition of the WFO Gymnasium High-Level Capacity Building Programme: Martin Murray (NFF, Australia), Rafael Riedel (CNA, Brazil), Mologadi Madisha (AFASA, South Africa), and Nyaradzo Mutande (ZFU, Zimbabwe).

WFO Young Farmers at the GFFA International Young Farmers’ Forum

For the ninth consecutive year, WFO young farmer delegates were invited by the BMEL to participate in the GFFA International Young Farmers’ Forum. This unique platform annually convenes more than 20 young farmers from all continents to share their valuable experiences from their farms and work within national farmers’ organisations, and collaborate on a joint statement on the GFFA theme.

©BMEL/Photothek

This year, Mologadi Madisha, from the WFO Member African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA), was one of the two young farmers selected to present the joint statement in front of agriculture ministers from all around the world participating in the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference on Saturday, 18 January.

Advancing a Vision for a Sustainable Bioeconomy

The joint statement presented by the young farmers underscored the urgency of advancing a sustainable bioeconomy that promotes fairness, ecological sustainability, and inclusive growth. It called for:

• Targeted investment in rural areas and infrastructure to empower young farmers with access to education, training, and support systems that enhance their resilience and capacity to innovate.
• Policies that ensure equitable access to land, resources, and technologies, with a strong focus on supporting women, youth, and indigenous peoples.
• Global collaboration and innovative solutions to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, food security, and biodiversity, fostering regional approaches that integrate into global frameworks.
• Support for fair markets and inclusive policies that enable farmers to thrive, contribute to local economies, and drive sustainable agricultural practice.

The statement highlighted the vital role of young farmers in shaping the future of agriculture and called on governments to engage with their perspectives in policymaking processes. It emphasised that empowering farmers, particularly youth, is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive food systems worldwide.

©BMEL/Photothek

Elevating Farmers’ Voice in Agricultural Political Conversation

“The GFFA served as a valuable opportunity for young farmers to highlight their perspectives and amplify their voices in international agricultural discussions. Their involvement in the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference highlights the critical importance of including farmers, especially the youth, in formulating national and international policies,” President d’Alissac remarked.

Looking forward, WFO is committed to ensuring the voices of farmers resonate throughout all political conversations. Through active engagement and collaboration, we aim to champion the value of farmers, pursuing the sustainable and inclusive transformation of food systems.

Cover photo by ©BMEL/Photothek