Journalists gather in Bonn for 2016 IFAJ Congress
Hundreds of journalists from around the world on Friday gathered in Bonn, Germany to participate in the 2016 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ (IFAJ) Congress.
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Themed, “Sustainable Agriculture – Made in Germany”, the congress was to afford the media practitioners the opportunity to learn at first hand the achievements of Germany’s versatile family farmers, the market and quality-oriented agricultural policies, and the successful upstream and downstream economic impacts of food production.
Prior to the event, participants went on farm tours and participated in various workshops intended to inform them about the German agricultural sector.
They also participated in panel discussions intended to share opinions on how agriculture contributes to the new Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations.
About Germany’s agric sector
Germany is characterized by a medium-sized agriculture and food production sector, which is often the economic backbone in many rural areas. Approximately 4.5 million of all employees, representing 11 per cent work in the agribusiness sector, which also provides one out of every five apprenticeships, offering positions to 300,000 trainees.
Also approximately 280,000 farms are often the largest employers in many regions, generating an output value of 54.6 billion euros (2014) – almost 49 percent on the land, 47 percent in the barn and 4 percent by providing services.
The agriculture sector is therefore, larger than the mining, textile, pharmaceutical, and paper industries. Currently, leading on-farm investments are in livestock facilities and related equipment, totaling over 60 percent of total investments.
The Chairperson of the German Association of Agricultural Journalists, Dr Katarina Seuser addressing journalists during a panel discussion on sustainable agriculture.
The future of agric
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairwoman of the German Association of Agricultural Journalists, Dr Katharina Seuser, said the fight against hunger and poverty, the protection of nature and biodiversity, depended greatly on agriculture.
“The future of agriculture is as diverse as the climate and soils. It has to be efficient, it must protect our natural resources, and it should provide reasonable income for farmers”, said.
The President of the IFAJ, Mr Markus Rediger, in his remarks said agriculture made in Germany was social, efficient, and ecological and its strength was innovation through investment.
“Our farm families annually invest around 11 billion euros in their operations. Currently, leading on-farm investments are in livestock facilities and related equipment, totaling over 60 percent of total investments”, he said.
Industry for the future
The President of the German Farmers Association (DBV), Mr Joachim Rukweid in his remarks said agriculture was an industry for the future with a challenge to feed a growing population with sustainable development.
Therefore, he said the sustainable use of soil, water and air resources and the standards of environmental and animal protection must be included in negotiations and trade agreements.
Additionally, she said as agriculture continued to evolve and innovate on the basis of science and research, a reliable political and legal framework was necessary for it to successfully prevail in open markets.