Food security, sustainability and G7 summit top WFO talks

03 July 2024

NFU Deputy President pictured with the NFU delegation of BAB director Robin Manning, NFU director of strategy Nick von Westenholz and NFU senior trade adviser Lucia Zitti, pictured infront of the FAO sign in Rome

NFU Deputy President David Exwood attended the WFO General Assembly in Rome with BAB director Robin Manning (right), NFU director of strategy Nick von Westenholz (centre) and NFU senior trade adviser Lucia Zitti (left)

An NFU delegation, headed by Deputy President David Exwood, attended the World Farmers’ Organisation General Assembly in Rome to discuss issues including food security, sustainability and preparations for the upcoming agriculture G7.

The WFO (World Farmers’ Organisation) General Assembly was hosted by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) in Rome. This was the first time that the global organisation, tasked with combating world hunger, opened its doors to host such an event of world farmers.

The discussions were spread over two days, with day one dedicated to the WFO elections and policy discussions.

French farmer, Arnold Puech d’Alissac was re-appointment as WFO President for a second mandate (2024-2026) and Fiona Simson, former President of National Farmers’ Federation of Australia, was elected as WFO Vice President.

During the internal discussions, the conference adopted two policy papers – an update to the existing position on food security and a new document on nature and biodiversity.

Biodiversity and natural resources

The world farmers asked for more policy integration between biodiversity conservation and other agriculture policies, including climate change.

They also called for more involvement in international biodiversity and environmental negotiations, and to be able to access financial tools for the sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources at farm level.

The list of recommendations was long. A unanimous policy document, based on the direct expressions of its members, highlights the advocacy role of the WFO.

Addressing global challenges

While in Rome, the NFU team took the opportunity to meet with a range of stakeholders to discuss global challenges including food security, sustainability and the role of farmers to achieve those goals.

They met with the two UK ambassadors representing the UK Government at the UN agencies and ambassadors to Italy and San Marino.

There are many discussions and initiatives emanating from Rome on the role of agriculture and trade policies, and the true cost of food. It was opportune to present the priorities of the NFU and the WFO to our ambassadors.

The team also met with FAO deputy director general, Beth Bechdol, who oversees the FAO’s work on emergencies which involves providing emergency agricultural assistance from the onset of a crisis and supporting countries experiencing food crisis.

The focus on agriculture at the FAO and the network of embassies around it is clear. But unfortunately it seems that farmers themselves don’t have much say or ability to interact directly themselves.

The NFU is, therefore, keen to engage more closely with the work of the FAO and to provide technical expertise linked to the global themes around sustainability and food security that have a direct consequence on members’ businesses.

Discussions and a need for action at the global level also provide food for thought when it comes to British domestic policy considerations.

Next steps at the G7

Italy holds the presidency of the G7 this year and the NFU will be back in Italy in September, when the G7 agriculture ministers will gather to determine future farm and economic policies.

Italian farming union partner, Coldiretti, took the initiative to set up a group of the G7 farming unions with the purpose of sending a strong signal to the farming ministers on the role and importance of farmers when it comes to finding the solution to global challenges.

This initiative puts the NFU at the forefront of the global debate on issues like food security, the role of trade and links with sustainability and climate change. It also reinforces relations with like-minded countries at a time of great political instability.

Events like these increase NFU visibility and advocacy on the international stage and also show our leadership on strategic policy priorities.

More from NFUonline:


Ask us a question about this page

Once you have submitted your query someone from NFU CallFirst will contact you. If needed, your query will then be passed to the appropriate NFU policy team.

You have 0 characters remaining.

By completing the form with your details on this page, you are agreeing to have this information sent to the NFU for the purposes of contacting you regarding your enquiry. Please take time to read the NFU’s Privacy Policy if you require further information.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.