Released as press release volume 1/2025

BMEL Opens 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture

Focus theme: Farming a sustainable bioeconomy

The 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) was opened today by Claudia Müller, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture. As a platform for multilateral exchange, the GFFA is a globally unique event hosted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Under the guiding theme of Farming a Sustainable Bioeconomy, this year’s talks focus on sustainably producing biomass and ensuring its effective use.

In her opening address, Claudia Müller said: "In times of increasing conflict which see the world at risk of splitting into camps, we want to use the GFFA to promote dialogue and collaboration. We are gathering in Berlin because we know that the most pressing challenges of our time – the climate crisis, species extinction, conflicts and wars – can only be solved together. 

More than half of global output is based on an intact environment: on species diversity, healthy soil and adequate supply of clean water. Bio-based innovations are the game changers in all of this. They rely on renewable resources and combine sustainable development with economic advancement. They protect the climate and resources, create new opportunities for value creation, and ensure quality of life and prosperity."

The first case of foot and mouth disease (FMD) reported in Germany since 1988 has also placed animal disease on the GFFA agenda. Against the backdrop of this recent outbreak, Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir also intends to use the GFFA to talk with fellow ministers about potential export agreements. 

The GFFA is the leading international conference on key issues concerning the future of the global food and agriculture sector. Today’s opening event marks the official start of a programme comprising more than 20 GFFA events taking place from January 15 to January 18. Around 2,000 international visitors and some 120 speakers from government, industry, the science community and civil society are expected to attend. And with the International Young Farmers’ Forum, young farmers from around the world will also be involved. Young scientists will be presenting their research results at the GFFA Science Slam. 

For the second time at the GFFA, the BMEL in cooperation with the Munich Security Conference (MSC) is jointly hosting a High Level Debate on Sowing Peace: Entry-Points through Food and Climate Security Efforts. The idea is to bring a security policy perspective to the GFFA and thereby foster solutions at the interface between ensuring food security and building global peace. 

The political highlight of the GFFA takes the form of the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference on January 18, led by Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture. Some 70 agriculture ministers from around the globe and more than 20 high-ranking representatives from international organisations will be among the guests. Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the Berlin Agricultural Ministers’ Conference. 

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference.

How to register. 

Four central bioeconomy topics will be discussed at the 2025 GFFA: 

  1. Sustainably producing biomass – Solving conflicts of interest
  2. Sustainably using biomass – Ensuring global food security
  3. Strengthening innovation – Promoting communication
  4. Creating a fair framework – Harnessing change 

The GFFA is organised by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in cooperation with Messe Berlin GmbH. 

For more information and to view the full programme, see the GFFA website. 

More about the GFFA 2025 focus theme is contained in the attached background paper.

Released as press release