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This year’s IFAD Governing Council session carries the motto “From Farm to Market: Investing with Young Entrepreneurs”, highlighting the role of young entrepreneurs in transforming rural economies.

State Secretary Johann Saathoff traveled to Rome with a delegation from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to participate in discussions on supporting young agricultural entrepreneurs and sustainable rural development. He was accompanied by Ambassador Andreas von Brandt.

At the panel, participants discussed how investments in young agri- and food-system entrepreneurs can promote employment, innovation, and sustainable value creation in rural areas. Key topics included supporting start-ups and SMEs in the agricultural sector – particularly for young people and women – improving access to markets and financing, and the role of multilateral cooperation in driving sustainable development.

Germany actively engages at the IFAD Governing Council to advance its multilateral development agenda. The joint presence of State Secretary Saathoff and Ambassador von Brandt underscores Germany’s commitment to food security, youth economic participation, and sustainable agricultural and food value chains.

Background

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized UN organization founded in 1977 to combat poverty and hunger in rural areas worldwide.

IFAD finances projects that promote sustainable agriculture, market access, infrastructure, and capacity building, and supports programs that particularly benefit smallholder farmers and young people.

The Governing Council is IFAD’s highest decision-making body. It consists of representatives from all member states, meets annually, and decides on the budget, strategic priorities, membership, and organizational policies.

The annual session also provides a platform for dialogue among governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector, and civil society actors.