Farming News - NFU News: Joint statement by the G7 farming organisations

NFU News: Joint statement by the G7 farming organisations

As leaders gather at the G7 summit, farmers are urging governments to recognise that a strong, sustainable and resilient agriculture sector is not only vital to rural communities, but essential to economic stability, environmental stewardship and global cooperation.

 

Farmers across the G7 are confronting unprecedented pressures as the world faces overlapping geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges. Inflation, high interest rates and continued fallout from recent financial shocks have destabilised farm economies. At the same time, trade disruptions and fractured supply chains are compounding uncertainty in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change—more frequent droughts, floods and extreme weather—are threatening productivity and straining rural infrastructure.

In the face of these pressures, G7 farmers are playing a vital role in ensuring food security, fostering innovation and advancing climate adaptation, while maintaining the resilience of national and global food systems.

As the world prepares for COP30, it is critical that farmers are recognised as essential partners in achieving global climate and development goals, and that strong, sustainable agricultural sectors are foundational to economic resilience and global cooperation.

To sustain this important role, farming organisations are calling on G7 governments to:

  • Support transparent, rules-based trade that fosters stability and market access.
  • Prioritise innovation and ensure all farmers have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
  • Modernise outdated regulations that hinder competitiveness and efficiency.
  • Advance science-based, incentive-driven climate policies that help farmers increase soil health, boost productivity and ensure the long-term resilience of working lands. 

G7 farmers stand ready to work with policymakers, industry leaders and international partners to build a better future for agriculture and for society as a whole.

Quotes from the farm group leaders of the G7 farming organisations

Tom Bradshaw, President, NFU, UK: “Every day, farmers and growers are out in the fields producing food for the global population, while also looking after our planet and supporting economic growth. But with climate change, geopolitical tensions and a volatile trading environment, this is becoming harder. That is why we’re urging G7 governments to help provide stability and certainty, both in terms of trading systems and enabling policies which support innovation, productivity and efficiency in farming across the world.”

Keith Currie, President, CFA, Canada: “Canadian farmers, like our counterparts across the G7, are facing complex challenges that demand coordinated, forward-thinking solutions. We are committed to working with our global partners to strengthen food security, drive innovation, and advance climate resilience. With the right tools, policies, and support, farmers can continue to lead the way toward a more sustainable and secure future for all.”

Arnaud Rousseau, President, FNSEA, France: “Agriculture and food are not issues of nationality. We share with our colleagues a common goal, competitiveness and guaranteeing our farmers the best possible income. Today, we send a common message to the decision-makers of our countries: in a difficult geopolitical context, agriculture and food security must be at the core of international concerns and policies should ensure a fair trade environment. Farmers provide solutions, for security issues, such as energy, and to fight against climate change. The G7 leaders shall listen to the call of their farmers!”

Joachim Rukwied, President, DBV, Germany: “Canada's G7 Presidency offers an opportunity to highlight the role of global agriculture in enabling more sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems. In the face of multiple challenges – from competitiveness to food security and climate change adaptation – international cooperation is more crucial than ever. Agriculture can and must be part of the solution.”

Ettore Prandini, President, Coldiretti, Italy: “The G7 of Farmers, which brings together the seven leading global agricultural organizations, stands out as a strategic forum for analyzing and shaping the future of agriculture and the agri-food sector, in a context marked by growing geopolitical and trade tensions. Together, we call on governments to place food security and sovereignty at the heart of their agenda, with policies that ensure reciprocity in trade rules, support accessible innovation, and promote healthy, natural diets against the rise of ultra-processed and synthetic products.”

Toru Yamano, President, JA Zenchu, Japan: “On behalf of all the farmers and agricultural cooperatives in Japan, I highly expect the prosperous future of farmers envisioned in the joint declaration to be fulfilled.”

Rob Larew, President, NFU, USA: “This is a crucial moment for family farmers and ranchers across the world. Economic, political and environmental challenges are putting the stability of agriculture at risk. Together with our G7 partners, we stand united in strengthening the conditions for farmers in the global marketplace, particularly by addressing the growing risks of consolidation in the agri-food chain. We must work collaboratively and intentionally to shape policies that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable, ensuring agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.”