Water guides discussion at global agriculture forum

By Jenny Holtermann

This past January, I had the opportunity to travel to Berlin to attend the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, or GFFA. Attending the forum was an eye-opening and inspiring experience. 

Held annually in Berlin, this international conference brings together policymakers, researchers, farmers and industry leaders to discuss the future of global food systems. It is considered one of the most important platforms for addressing challenges in agriculture and food security worldwide. 

Many agriculture ministers and secretaries from countries across the globe attend the GFFA. The event prides itself as being the world’s largest informal conference for agriculture ministers, with 61 in attendance, as well as high-level representatives from international organizations from 14 countries. 

I was nominated by the American Farm Bureau Federation to participate and was selected by the federal government of Germany to be part of the International Young Farmers Forum, a special portion of the GFFA open to nominations. After being selected for the forum, I was also invited to be part of a conference panel. 

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the global importance of the event. Thousands of participants from different cultural, professional and academic backgrounds filled the conference halls. Participants from different countries gathered to exchange ideas and solutions for improving agriculture. 

The diversity of people, ranging from government ministers to young farmers, created a unique environment where everyone contributed to different perspectives. It was fascinating to see how individuals from both developed and developing countries came together with a shared goal: to improve global food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

One of the most impactful parts of my experience was being a panelist during the opening event of the conference. The guiding theme for the conference was “Water. Harvests. Our Future.” This theme provided a high-level introduction and discussion on water sustainability. Other panelists included the minister of agriculture from India, minister of hydraulics and sanitation of Senegal, and the water envoy from Netherlands.  

During the panel, we each shared our perspective on water sustainability in our regions. I was honored to address California water, our challenges and the role the government plays. Being on the stage with such individuals was awe-inspiring and provoked thoughtful discussion. 

The forum highlighted the need for inclusive policies that ensure everyone benefits from agricultural advancements. As part of the Young Farmers Forum, we prepared a young farmers declaration on the future of agriculture. 

Joined by 25 other young farmers from across the world, we contributed our valuable experiences on water issues from our own farms and national organizations to develop a statement on the major challenges farmers face. We covered water scarcity, requirements for a secure harvest, challenges due to climate change, innovation building resilience, bioeconomy as a source of income stability, wars, government conflicts and declining food security. 

The forum also featured exhibitions and presentations showcasing innovative agricultural solutions, including new farming technologies, sustainable products and research projects aimed at improving food production. They demonstrated that while challenges are significant, there are also many creative solutions being developed around the world.

In the adjacent halls was Grune Woche, or Green Week. One of Germany’s most traditional trade fairs, Green Week was 121,000 square meters of halls representing more than 50 countries. Booths and stages cover the endless halls with food, agriculture and horticulture companies from all over the world. They received more than 350,000 visitors and had more than 1,600 exhibitors present. 

I was mesmerized by the overwhelming selection of cultural food, drinks and shows. You could not see nearly half the halls in one day. It would take a week to make your rounds around the exhibits.

The entire experience provided opportunity to interact with participants from different backgrounds. From the Young Farmer Forum to GFFA panel opportunities and Green Week, it was an experience filled with culture, diversity and multiplicity of innovation. 

The conversations helped me understand how agriculture varies across regions and how global collaboration can lead to innovative solutions. The forum was not just about listening but also about learning from others’ experiences.

Overall, my experience at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture was educational and motivating. It made me realize the importance of agriculture in sustaining cultures and the urgent need for sustainable practices. The forum reinforced the idea that by working together globally, we can build a more secure and sustainable food future. 

I am grateful for the opportunity to experience an international conference of this magnitude and hopeful about the agriculturalists that are leading our world into the next generation. 

Jenny Holtermann farms in Kern County and serves as an advisory member on the California Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She can be reached at agalert@cfbf.com.

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