28 January 2014: Bringing together global leaders in agricultural policy and practice, the fourth Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2014 (GFFA) examined the consequences of climate change, loss of soil fertility and loss of biodiversity on agricultural potential.

The meeting took place from 16-18 January 2014 in Berlin, Germany as part of International Green Week. It considered issues related to developing adaptable and resilient agriculture by increasing diversity, sustainability and productivity. At the meeting, representatives from Bioversity International underscored the importance of using biodiversity to boost resilience through an integrated approach.

In addressing food insecurity, participants stressed the role of early warning systems in preventing food crises, such as the EU-funded Supporting the Horn of Africa’s Resilience (SHARE) project. They also underscored the need for countries to prepare for natural disasters and to invest in resilient crop systems. Participants discussed the causes of rapid changes in staple food prices, and considered what the next global challenges to face the agriculture sector might be.

During the meeting, over seventy agriculture ministers gathered in a high-level session where they agreed on a declaration that included strong support for “conserving and using diversity (to help) to increase the efficacy, adaptability and resilience of the agriculture sector.” In their communique, the ministers stressed the need for coordinated implementation to accompany policy steps. [Bioversity International Release] [Final Communique of the GFFA 2014: Empowering Agriculture: Fostering Resilience-Securing Food and Nutrition] [Meeting Website]