The summit saw representatives from the leading farming organisations gather to emphasise the pivotal role that farmers and their organisations play in constructing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
This call to action comes at a critical time marked by geopolitical instability and the escalating climate crisis.
The joint declaration, also supported by the World Farmers’ Organisation, reflects the collective voice of G7 farmers and underscores the necessity of a farmer-centric approach to building sustainable, resilient, and competitive food systems.
The high-level summit brings together agriculture ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US, along with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture.
The unity displayed by these organisations sends a powerful message – only by working together with farmers can governments secure a peaceful, prosperous, and food-secure future for all.
‘Food security critical to global security’
During the summit, David met with UK Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner to discuss the ongoing challenges and opportunities for British farming amongst the international backdrop.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said farmers’ presence at key political events like the G7 “is testimony to the crucial role that we play in feeding the global population, looking after our planet and supporting economic growth”.
“The NFU strongly supports this initiative and welcomes the recognition that food security is critical to global security.
“The NFU strongly supports this initiative and welcomes the recognition that food security is critical to global security.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
“To continue producing food in the face of global instability, unfair supply chains and climate impacts, farmers need the right policy framework and investment to boost confidence and resilience so we can withstand these unprecedented shocks”.
Key recommendations outlined in the declaration include:
- greater public investment in sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural practices
- the reinforcement of fair international trade based on transparency
- the advancement of farmer-centric innovation that bridges the gap between producers and the research community.
The declaration also calls for a balanced approach to food systems by investing in both local, short value chains that support thriving communities, and fair and international value chains that support food security and sustainable food systems.
These measures are crucial not only for G7 countries but for the global effort to address the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while mitigating climate change.
The G7 farmers urge their governments to take decisive action, engaging closely with the agricultural community to drive forward these shared goals.
