Global farmers unite at G20 dialogue, strategise

THE Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) recently brought together farmers from across the globe, convening the G20 Farmers Dialogue.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The discussions at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in Stellenbosch University aimed to forge a path towards a farmers' declaration for the upcoming G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg in November.

Saai said that the event attracted delegates and digital participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, ensuring that the authentic voice of farmers was represented in global policy debates.

Saai added that the dialogue focused on four central themes: family farming; digitalisation, innovation and AI; livestock and proteins; and trade and food security.

Ettore Prandini, president of Coldiretti in Italy, said family farming is crucial.

"Family farmers are the pillars of agriculture globally. They produce most of the world's food, safeguard biodiversity, and sustain rural communities. Without family farmers, there is no food security, no food sovereignty, no peace," Prandini said.

Bennie van Zyl, general manager of TLU SA, agreed on the local and global value of family farms.