Berlin, Germany — Liberia has joined global leaders in advocating for more equitable international cooperation on food systems at the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin.
By Patience M. Jones
Representing the country, Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah addressed a high-level ministerial roundtable, where he underscored the need for stronger and fairer global partnerships that ensure developing countries have a meaningful voice in decisions shaping global food systems, climate action, and farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. Nuetah highlighted persistent challenges confronting countries in the Global South, including food insecurity, the impacts of climate change, rising agricultural production costs, mounting debt pressures, and limited access to technology and finance.
He noted that these challenges are often worsened when global policies are formulated without adequate participation from developing nations, calling on international partners to adopt inclusive and equitable policy frameworks.
The Liberian Agriculture Minister also cautioned against the unintended consequences of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), warning that its strict compliance requirements could disproportionately affect smallholder farmers in developing countries.
He stressed that without adequate technical and financial support, such regulations risk excluding small-scale producers from European markets and undermining rural livelihoods.
Dr. Nuetah urged the adoption of balanced approaches that protect the environment while safeguarding farmers’ incomes.
The 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture, taking place from January 18–25, 2026, has convened more than 65 agriculture ministers and senior leaders from international organizations under the theme: “Food Systems of the Future: Together for a World Without Hunger.”
Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and collective action aimed at building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems worldwide.
