15 August 2023
By: Nico van Burick
Access to food for the most vulnerable communities, ways to address the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, and the promotion of trade were among the key topics at a meeting of Brics agriculture ministers.
After a four-day gathering in Mookgophong, Limpopo, to prepare for the Brics summit beginning on August 22, the agriculture ministers of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa signed a joint statement.
The focus of the meeting was strengthening cooperation for sustainable agricultural production and increased productivity, and Thoko Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, welcomed the joint statement.
It called for assistance for developing countries in combating the adverse effects of climate change on food security. Their ability to adjust production systems should be enhanced, and Brics members should collaborate to address the consequences of climate change. All are proponents of best practices that align with internationally accepted guidelines.
The countries must also work together to ensure access to food for all, as food security requires a multisectoral and multidimensional approach, the statement said. To succeed, it is important to exchange experiences and programmes and learn from each other.
Regarding agriculture and rural development, the ministers committed themselves to expediting national programmes with an emphasis on strengthening rural economies, attracting investment and developing skills.
Agricultural trade must be reformed to support developing economies, they said, saying they support policies that promote open, free and fair trade and prevent unjustifiable trade restrictions.
Further emphasis was placed on technological cooperation and the exchange of agricultural information to strengthen everyone’s industries.
The ministers thanked South Africa for hosting the 13th meeting of Brics agriculture ministers and wished Russia success in hosting next year’s gathering.
