Luis Planas urges strengthening EU-Africa cooperation for sustainable agri-food systems

 

His statements took place during the VI EU-AU Agriculture Ministerial Conference, held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.

 

Planas emphasized that the current international landscape, characterized by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and the growing impact of climate change, has exacerbated food insecurity in numerous global regions. Given this situation, the Spanish minister made a strong appeal for concerted and decisive action from the international community, assigning a crucial role to agriculture ministers. "We have a greater responsibility than ever before to achieve food systems capable of guaranteeing sufficient, nutritious, and safe food for all," he stated.

 

In his plenary speech, Planas reiterated the full support of Spain to the Strategy and Action Plan of the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP)), approved in Kampala last January. He emphasized the alignment with European values ​​and the importance of prioritizing small farmers, women, and rural youth, as well as promoting sustainable practices, climate resilience, and regional integration. He also highlighted the value of agricultural and fishing cooperatives as fundamental pillars of the agri-food system, sharing Spain's experience in their development.

 

Regarding the alliance EU-AU, the minister urged to revitalize the rural transformation agenda, increase European investments and boost trade between the EU and the African Continental Free Trade AreaHe also stressed the importance of the upcoming meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to advance its reform, stating that "multilateralism and rules-based international trade are fundamental to the development of the least developed countries."

 

Planas noted that Spain is one of the main contributors to the new Fisheries Fund, with a contribution of €2 million, and reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with African nations in eradicating illegal fishing and safeguarding marine resources.

 

Farmers, Protagonists of the Agrarian Transition

 

Previously, at a side event, Minister Planas championed a sustainable agricultural transition, based on innovation, resource efficiency, the circular economy, and public support for investment, especially in areas such as irrigation, digitalization, and renewable energy.

 

In this context, Luis Planas shared the policies implemented in Spain with the participation of agricultural organizations, including the modernization of irrigation, the promotion of precision agriculture and digitalization, the improvement of Food Chain Law, measures for generational change with the incorporation of young people and women into the sector, and the promotion of the circular economy in rural areas.

 

Finally, the minister called for stronger exchanges of experiences between farmers and organizations on both continents, citing as an example the Cultiva Program, which provides training for young farmers on model farms.