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International Agricultural Ministers' Conference in Berlin: Strengthening Sustainable Bioeconomy Agreed
Berlin, 19 January 2025 – At the 17th Berlin Agricultural Ministers' Conference, representatives from around 70 countries committed to advancing the global sustainable bioeconomy and establishing an international partnership.
Chaired by Federal Minister Cem Özdemir, the conference addressed global challenges such as food security, climate protection, and biodiversity. Participants emphasized the urgency of replacing fossil resources with renewable, bio-based alternatives, highlighting the link between sustainability and economic progress.
The “Food First” principle, prioritizing food security, was affirmed as a core foundation of all efforts.
A key outcome of the conference was the decision to support a global bioeconomy partnership led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This partnership will enhance international knowledge-sharing and coordinate sustainable approaches to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Minister Özdemir stressed that rural regions and small-scale farmers must benefit from bioeconomy innovations, stating,
A sustainable bioeconomy is not just a vision for the future but a necessity for a livable world.
Background Information
he Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), established in 2009, has become a leading platform for international agricultural policy. Held annually as part of the International Green Week in Berlin, it is complemented by the Berlin Agricultural Ministers' Conference.
In 2025, the forum focused on “Farming Sustainable Bioeconomy.” Alongside the ministerial conference, around 2,000 international participants attended expert discussions to explore the opportunities and challenges of a sustainable bioeconomy.