Key Takeaways
- The joint statement, led by CropLife International, was presented at the WTO’s Public Forum in Geneva.
- Eleven international agricultural and agri-food associations have co-signed an open letter backing the WTO’s multilateral trading system.
- The associations represent over 10,000 private sector companies across plant science, seeds, grains, fertilizers, dairy, farmers, and traders.
- The letter highlights the WTO’s role in advancing food security, preventing trade fragmentation, and supporting smallholder farmers.
- CropLife International emphasized the need for cooperation ahead of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026.
CropLife International and Partners Issue Joint Letter
As the World Trade Organization’s annual Public Forum opened in Geneva, 11 global associations from across the agricultural and agri-food value chain publicly expressed their support for the WTO’s multilateral trading system.
Led by CropLife International, the associations issued an open letter recognizing the WTO’s role in maintaining an open, transparent, and rules-based trading framework, particularly amid growing concerns over global food security.
Letter Emphasizes Food Security and Trade Stability
The co-signed letter stated: “The multilateral trading system underpinning the WTO has proven itself essential for advancing global food security by ensuring access to markets and technologies, supporting millions of smallholder farmers, and safeguarding against fragmentation and protectionism. Rooted in science- and rules-based principles, it fosters innovation, prevents arbitrary trade barriers, and offers developing countries a reliable framework that ensures agricultural trade remains inclusive, equitable, and predictable.”
The associations also expressed readiness to contribute to strengthening the system, highlighting its importance in addressing future agricultural and food supply challenges.
CropLife International Highlights Role of Global Cooperation
Emily Rees, President and CEO of CropLife International, presented the letter to WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She said: “The multilateral trading system, open and rules-based, provides the very framework which keeps food flowing openly and transparently around the globe, supporting societies and economies alike. Yet geopolitical fragmentation can undo years of stability. We need global cooperation, we need innovation, and we need the multilateral trading system as the bedrock beneath us.”
Rees emphasized that this joint support is not only for the present but also in preparation for the WTO’s upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026.
Signatories Supporting CropLife International’s Initiative
The open letter was undersigned by the following organizations:
- CropLife International
- Global Dairy Platform
- Global Farmer Network
- Global Pulse Confederation
- Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA)
- Health for Animals
- International Agri-Food Network (IAFN)
- International Fertilizer Association (IFA)
- International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC)
- International Seed Federation (ISF)
- Solutions from the Land
