Luxembourg Minister Says Food Production Must Remain Primary Mission of Agriculture

From Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 January 2025, the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) took place in Berlin, Germany.

Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, represented Luxembourg at the event which aims to promote food security, sustainability and innovation in agriculture.

This year, the international forum brought together 80 Ministers of Agriculture and representatives of international organisations around the theme of the sustainable, circular and resilient global bioeconomy, at the invitation of the German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir. As reported by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, the ministers shared their visions on the sustainable use of soils, forests and agriculture as sources of energy and materials. Topics discussed included sustainable biomass production and use, food security, promoting innovation, and creating fair framework conditions for the agricultural sector.

During a panel discussion, Minister Hansen said: "The issue of sustainable biomass production is an important diversification concept for the agricultural sector in the European Union and Luxembourg. However, I would like to point out that the primary mission of agriculture must remain food production."

The forum closed with the 17th Berlin Conference of Agriculture Ministers. In the final joint declaration, the ministers stressed the importance of food production as the primary mission of agriculture. They also committed to strengthening international cooperation for a sustainable bioeconomy, and to supporting inclusive and fair biomass production chains for all stakeholders in rural areas, including women and youth.

On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Hansen had a bilateral exchange with her Walloon counterpart, Anne-Catherine Dalcq, on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the challenges facing Belgian and Luxembourg farmers, particularly in the face of animal diseases. Minister Hansen also met her counterpart from Saarland, Petra Berg, and visited the food, agriculture and horticulture fair "Grüne Woche" which was held at the same time in Berlin.