Enhancing Investment, Sustainability, and Trade: The Role of Farmers and Farmers' Organizations
As part of the Africa-EU Partnership, the sixth AU-EU agriculture ministerial conference will take place in Rome on 27 June 2025, focusing on enhancing cooperation and addressing shared challenges in agri-food systems. Discussions will center on four key areas: investment and financing in value chains, sustainable practices and climate resilience, research and innovation, and improving market access and trade facilitation.
In this context, the Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) and AgriCord are organising a side event: Enhancing Investment, Sustainability, and Trade: The Role of Farmers and Farmers' Organizations (FOs).
Time and venue: Friday, the 27th of June at 13h00-the Philippines room, FAO Headquarters
This side event will highlight the role of farmers and their organizations in advancing CAADP and EU agricultural goals, explore investment in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture; especially for smallholders and youth; promote fair Africa-EU trade for family farmers and cooperatives, and offer recommendations to strengthen AU-EU cooperation through farmer-led and youth-driven initiatives.
Moderator:
- Mr Ishmael Sunga, CEO of SACAU
Opening words:
- Mr Moses VILAKATI Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment African Union Commission
- Mr Luis Planas Puchades, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spain
Keynote:
- Mr Jean Rummenie Minister of Fishery, Food Security, Horticulture and Nature Conservation, Netherland
- Ms Elisabeth Nsimadala, President of Eastern African Farmers’ Federation, Board Member of Pan African Farmers’ Organisation
Expert panel:
- Unlocking finance for smallholder farmers, including youth, and addressing barriers to market access, Ms Betty Chinyamunyamu, CEO of National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi
- FOs’ role in IFAD programs and IFAD investments contributing to scaling up, Mr Ron Hartman, Director for Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, IFAD
- Relevance of supporting FOs within EU policy framework, Mr Philippe Le Clerc, Policy Officer, Sustainable Food Systems/DG INTPA, European Commission
- Agroecological/climate-smart farming practices and compensation for ecosystem services, Ms Kati Partanen, Board member of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners/MTK, Finland and Board member of the WFO
Question and answer
Summary remarks:
- Mr Pieter Verhelst, Board member of Boerenbond, Belgium and President of AgriCord
Target Audience
- AU and EU agricultural ministers and policymakers
- Representatives from farmers' organizations and cooperatives
- Development partners and financial institutions
- Agribusiness stakeholders and trade representatives
- Researchers and civil society organizations
This side event provides a unique opportunity and platform to discuss the EU-AUC African Agriculture agenda and reinforce the central role of farmers in shaping AU-EU agricultural policies and investments. All the relevant stakeholders will be invited to join us in advancing a shared vision and cooperation for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Africa and Europe.