G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting Adopts Joint Declaration on 'Sustainable Transformation of Agri-food'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seonhee] The Agriculture Ministers of the Group of Twenty (G20) adopted a joint declaration emphasizing sustainable transitions in the agri-food sector.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the 19th, G20 member countries' agriculture ministers adopted this declaration at the G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting held both in-person and via video on the 17th and 18th under the theme of "Sustainability of Agri-food Systems."

The meeting was attended by G20 agriculture ministers including the next chair country Indonesia, as well as high-level representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank (WB), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). South Korea was represented by Minister Kim Hyun-soo as the chief delegate.

Chief delegates from each country discussed member countries' efforts to achieve sustainability in the agri-food sector, cooperation to end hunger, and future directions for sustainable agriculture amid global health crises.

In particular, there was consensus that policies must be promoted to strengthen the resilience of agriculture and food systems in response to COVID-19 and the climate crisis, that inclusive policies for vulnerable groups should be established, and that governments should strive to utilize future-oriented digital opportunities in agri-food.

Furthermore, the declaration emphasized the need for decisive actions by G20 member countries to ensure the economic efficiency, environmental soundness, and social fairness of agri-food systems.

Minister Kim stated, "To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it is necessary to transition to healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food systems," adding, "South Korea will endeavor to enhance inclusiveness in agriculture and rural areas, transition to eco-friendly and low-carbon practices, and promote agricultural innovation based on digital data."

The meeting adopted a joint declaration covering sustainable transitions in the agri-food sector, strengthening technological and policy cooperation, and the importance of a multilateral trading system consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms. Key points from this declaration are expected to be reflected in the joint declaration of the upcoming G20 Summit next month.