The UK has played a pivotal role in securing an ambitious declaration to support sustainable agriculture and promote food security at the G20 Agriculture Ministers'
meeting in Brazil.
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner, signed the G20 Agricultural Declaration, reaffirming the UK government’s commitment to sustainable agri-food systems. The declaration, negotiated under the Brazilian Presidency, highlights agriculture’s critical role in tackling global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, while addressing the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Thanks to the UK’s efforts, the declaration also calls for more sustainable farming practices worldwide, including halting and reversing deforestation.
Speaking at the G20 Agriculture Ministers meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil, Minister Zeichner urged nations to enhance international cooperation, including through trade, to develop sustainable agri-food systems. He also reiterated the UK's intention to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty when it launches in November.
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said:
“It is vital that G20 countries work together to create sustainable agriculture and food systems, as well safeguard food security.
This declaration will help create sustainable and resilient global agriculture, essential to overcome poverty, climate change and biodiversity loss.
At home, we will continue delivering a new deal for farmers, boosting farmer confidence and food security, as well as stability and economic growth in our rural communities.”
The UK government continues to promote British food and drink on the global stage. Recently, Scotch whisky achieved Geographical Indication (GI) status in Brazil—the first foreign product to do so since 2019. This recognition is expected to generate approximately £25 million in trade over five years, providing better access to South America’s largest economy and strengthening the international standing of Scotch whisky.