South Africa calls for inclusive, climate-resilient agriculture at G20 meeting

19/9/2025 7:21

South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has urged the Group of 20 (G20) members to place agriculture "at the center of the G20 agenda," calling for global cooperation to make food systems more inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient.



He made the call on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the G20 Agriculture Working Group Ministerial Meeting in Somerset West, located about 50 km east of Cape Town's city center.



"Agriculture is not a sector that can be placed on the margins; it is the foundation of food security, livelihoods, and stability," Steenhuisen said.



He outlined four priorities that South Africa has championed during its G20 presidency: inclusive market participation, empowerment of youth and women, fostering innovation and technology transfer, and building climate resilience.