WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew joined leaders from G7 countries’ farmer organizations in Ortigia, Sicily, to emphasize the crucial role farmers play in shaping sustainable food systems.
Alongside the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (Canada), FNSEA (France), DBV (Germany), JA Zenchu (Japan), Coldiretti (Italy), CIA Agricoltori Italiani (Italy), and the National Farmers’ Union (United Kingdom), with the support of the World Farmers Organization, this joint declaration highlights a critical time for the world to invest in sustainable, resilient, and competitive food systems.
“Family farms of the future cannot merely be environmentally sustainable – they must also be economically sustainable. It will take all of us to tackle the value chain, competition and resilience challenges farmers face across the globe,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “NFU looks forward to working with our international partners to ensure future investments in agriculture, whether from the public or private sector, are voluntary, farmer-led and make progress toward greater fairness for farmers.”
Key recommendations outlined in the declaration include greater public investment in sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural practices, the reinforcement of fair international trade based on reciprocity and transparency, and the advancement of farmer-centric innovation that bridges the gap between producers and the research community. The declaration advocates for a balanced approach to food systems, investing in both local, short value chains that support thriving communities and fair, international long value chains that bolster global food security and sustainability.
These measures are crucial not only for G7 countries but for the global effort to address the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while mitigating climate change. This unified call from global farm organizations underscores a powerful message: only through collaboration with farmers can governments ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and food-secure future for all.
NFU President Rob Larew was accompanied by North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne and Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish.
You can view the declaration here and view photos of the event here.