Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, represented the Grand Duchy at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) and at the Berlin Agriculture Ministers' Conference in Germany this week.
The 2026 edition of the forum focused on the sustainable management of water and its central role in agriculture and global food security, in a context marked by climate change, increasing pressure on natural resources and rising global food needs.
According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems while ensuring equitable and sustainable access to water for food production.
The GFFA brought together nearly 80 ministerial delegations, representatives of international organisations, the scientific community and civil society. It provided a platform for international dialogue on issues related to sustainable water use, soil protection, agricultural innovation and strengthening international cooperation.
The forum concluded with the Agriculture Ministers' Conference, held on Saturday 17 January 2026. At this conference, ministers adopted a joint declaration highlighting the essential role of agriculture in the sustainable management of water resources, food security and combating the effects of climate change. The declaration emphasises, in particular, the efficient use of water, strengthening resilience to extreme weather events and the need for increased international cooperation ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Hansen held several bilateral meetings, notably with Martin Heydon, Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Michaela Kaniber, Bavarian State Secretary and Minister for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism. These discussions focused on current issues, including the common challenges facing the European agricultural sector, the sustainable management of natural resources and the outlook for agricultural policy.
Minister Hansen also toured Berlin Green Week, a major international trade fair dedicated to agriculture, food and horticulture, which was being held concurrently with the forum. This visit allowed her to exchange ideas with stakeholders in the sector and to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the agricultural and agri-food field.
