Blog of Liliana Mosca, SI Representative at the FAO, Rome.

From 26 to 28 September 2024, the G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture was held at the historic Castello Maniace in Siracusa, on the island of Ortigia, Italy. Chaired by Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, the meeting brought together the G7 Agriculture Ministers, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, and key international organizations, including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP), the OECD, and CGIAR.

The meeting focused on building resilient and sustainable agricultural and food systems, aligning with the priorities set by the Italian Presidency. Four main thematic areas were at the centre of discussions:

1. Science and innovation in agriculture for climate change adaptation
2. Empowering young generations as agents of change in agriculture
3. The contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to food security
4. The G7’s role in the development of agriculture on the African continent

Africa in the Spotlight

The first day of the meeting, 26 September, African Ministers of Agriculture from across the continent were invited, in agreement with the African Union, to participate in the session, which emphasised the importance of cooperation between the G7 and Africa in the agricultural sector.

The forum addressed three key issues:

• The Post-Malabo Agenda process and its implementation beyond 2025: This process is critical to advancing agricultural development across Africa and ensuring food security for its growing population.
• Investments in Africa’s agricultural sector: With significant challenges facing African agriculture, from climate change to infrastructure, the forum discussed the need for increased investment to bolster productivity and sustainability.
• Strengthening cooperation between the G7 and Africa in agriculture: Building stronger partnerships to support agricultural development, technology transfer, and sustainable practices was a major focus of the discussions.

Youth Voices at the Table

A key highlight of the G7 meeting was the engagement of young people in agriculture. Prior to the formal sessions, a “Young Hackathon” took place on 25-26 September, involving students, teachers, and young farmers from G7 countries. These young leaders discussed many of the themes addressed by the Ministers, focusing on the future of agriculture, climate change, and innovation.

On 27 September, during the working sessions, youth delegates had the unique opportunity to present their conclusions and proposals directly to the G7 Ministers, emphasizing the critical role of young generations as agents of change in agriculture and food systems. Their participation underscored the G7’s commitment to empowering the next generation in shaping the future of global agriculture.

Adoption of the Communiqué

The G7 Ministers’ Meeting concluded on 28 September with the adoption of a final communiqué, outlining the key priorities under the Italian Presidency. The main points included:

• Strengthening agriculture for profitable, resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems: Ensuring food systems remain both profitable and resilient in the face of future challenges, particularly climate change.
• Science and innovation in agriculture: Emphasizing the crucial role of scientific advancements and innovation in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
• Empowering young generations: Reaffirming the commitment to supporting young people as key drivers of change in agriculture and food systems.
• Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture: Highlighting the growing importance of sustainable fisheries in contributing to global food security.
• Support for agricultural development in Africa: Reiterating the G7’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth and sustainable food systems across the African continent.

Conclusion

The G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Agriculture in Syracuse marked an important moment in international agricultural cooperation. By addressing the resilience and sustainability of food systems, with a strong focus on climate adaptation and the empowerment of young people, the G7 continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global agriculture. The strong emphasis on Africa and sustainable practices signals a collective commitment to ensuring that agricultural development benefits all regions, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The outcomes of the meeting will undoubtedly influence future efforts to strengthen global food systems for generations to come.

To learn more, read the G7 Agricultural Ministers’ Communique.