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Water is the foundation of all life—and essential for agriculture. Yet with a growing world population, how do we produce enough food without putting even more pressure on our limited water resources? This pressing challenge lies at the core of the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA).

Under the motto “Water. Harvests. Our Future”, experts and decision-makers from politics, science, business, and civil society come together to explore water's critical role in agriculture and global food security.

Held in Berlin alongside the International Green Week, the GFFA is the world's largest informal gathering of agriculture ministers. It fosters open and constructive dialogue among ministers and specialists from across the globe.

A striking fact: agriculture accounts for about 72 percent of global freshwater use. In light of climate change and increasing water scarcity, the event focuses on building resilient, sustainable food systems.

Key themes include:

• Sustainable water use – through efficient irrigation, nature-based solutions like building soil humus or agroforestry, and cutting-edge technologies
• Blue bioeconomy – responsibly harnessing aquatic resources such as algae, shellfish, and sustainable fisheries
• Addressing competing uses – finding fair solutions for water sharing among agriculture, industry, households, and ecosystems, including the vital links between water, food security, and peace
• Stronger international cooperation – better global coordination and governance in water policy

The varied programme includes high-level panel discussions featuring real-world examples, expert forums, and the International Young Farmers’ Forum, where young farmers from around the world exchange ideas. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) plays an active role, highlighting proven approaches.

The political climax is the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference on 17 January, where participants adopt a joint final communiqué.

Background Information

Organised since 2009 by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity, the GFFA has grown into the world's largest informal meeting of agriculture ministers.

The 2026 edition builds on the outcomes of the 2023 UN Water Conference and aims to provide key input for the upcoming UN Water Conference 2026, further spotlighting the importance of agriculture and food systems in international water discussions.

For more information, the full programme, and registration: www.gffa-berlin.de/en/