18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture Focuses on “Water. Harvest. Our Future.”

19 November 2025

Grüne Woche 2026

At Grüne Woche 2026, Berlin will once again become the global center of agricultural policy and food security. From January 14 to 17, 2026, nearly 80 ministers of agriculture and high-ranking representatives from major international organizations will gather for the 18th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA). This year’s edition, held under the theme “Water. Harvest. Our Future.”, will spotlight one of the most pressing global challenges: water scarcity and its impact on agriculture and food systems.

Organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (BMLEH), the GFFA serves as the world’s leading platform for dialogue on the future of agricultural and food sectors. Taking place in parallel with Grüne Woche in Berlin, the forum brings together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and civil society stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening global food security in the face of mounting water stress.

Water – A Critical Resource Under Pressure

Water is fundamental to life, food production, and economic stability. Yet today, over two billion people live under high water stress — a situation worsened by climate change, pollution, and excessive water use. Agriculture, as the largest user of global freshwater resources, is both heavily impacted and uniquely positioned to contribute solutions.

Sustainable water management is becoming a defining factor for future food systems. Without sufficient water, there is no agriculture — and without agriculture, there is no food.

GFFA 2026: Setting the Global Agenda

Following the momentum of the UN Water Conference 2023, the GFFA aims to strengthen the voice of agriculture ahead of the UN Water Conference 2026. By integrating the perspectives of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, the forum seeks to build coordinated and long-term responses to global water challenges.

The 2026 conference will focus on four strategic pillars:

Using water sustainably – accelerating innovations and tools that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Strengthening the blue bioeconomy – unlocking the potential of aquatic resources to support sustainable development.
Constructively resolving conflicts over water use – fostering dialogue and cooperation across sectors and borders.
Strengthening international water governance – aligning global efforts to manage water resources more fairly and effectively.

A Global Collaboration for a Water-Secure Future

GFFA 2026 is organized by the BMLEH in cooperation with leading international bodies, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the African Union (AU), and the Munich Security Conference (MSC). Together, they aim to shape a unified global approach to safeguarding water resources for future generations.