Key Takeaways
- CropLife International President and CEO Emily Rees has been appointed co-Chair of the B20 Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture Taskforce under South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency.
- The Taskforce will provide strategic recommendations to the G20 Agriculture Ministers, focusing on sustainability, supply chain resilience, and nutritious food access.
- This appointment follows CropLife International’s active participation in the 2024 Brazilian Presidency of the G20.
- CropLife International advocates for technology adoption and sustainable productivity growth in global agriculture.
- The Taskforce aims to deliver actionable policy proposals for endorsement by G20 Heads of State in November 2025.
CropLife International Takes Leadership Role in G20 Agriculture Taskforce
Emily Rees Appointed Co-Chair to Help Shape Global Food Policy
CropLife International, the global federation representing the plant science and crop protection industry, announced today that its President and CEO, Emily Rees, has been appointed co-Chair of the B20 Sustainable Food Systems & Agriculture Taskforce. The Taskforce operates under the Business 20 (B20) track of the G20 South African Presidency and is tasked with submitting recommendations to G20 Agriculture Ministers for consideration by Heads of State later this year.
The focus of the Taskforce is to support sustainable agricultural practices, reinforce supply chain resilience, and promote equitable access to nutritious food.
“CropLife International is honoured to once again bring both its expertise and unswerving commitment to bear in the Taskforce’s work,” said Rees, who succeeds CropLife Chairman Livio Tedeschi, last year’s co-Chair under Brazil’s G20 Presidency.
Advancing the Role of Technology in Agriculture
Building on Previous G20 Commitments
The South African G20 Presidency is continuing the momentum from Brazil’s 2024 term, where agricultural innovation and food system resilience were central themes. CropLife International’s participation is expected to emphasize the role of technological innovation and sustainable productivity growth in addressing food security challenges.
As an association representing companies engaged in agricultural research and development, CropLife International is positioned to contribute practical perspectives on how science-based solutions can be scaled to meet rising global food demand.
CropLife International Strategic Focus for 2025
From Declarations to Deliverables
The Taskforce’s work will involve crafting implementable policy proposals that align with broader G20 goals. These may include strategies to improve technology access, address climate and supply chain disruptions, and support inclusive agricultural development.
“This year, we have the opportunity to turn this declaration of intent into a catalyst for progress,” said Rees. “I look forward to serving the Taskforce in driving tangible and implementable outcomes to improve food security and build more resilient food supply chains.”
CropLife International’s Continued Engagement
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture on the Global Stage
This appointment highlights CropLife International’s ongoing engagement in global policy forums focused on sustainable agriculture. The organization continues to advocate for policies that encourage responsible innovation, improve farmer access to tools and technologies, and support science-driven solutions to meet global food needs.
As global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical volatility place additional stress on agriculture, CropLife International views collaborative policymaking platforms like the B20 Taskforce as critical to shaping effective and inclusive food systems for the future.
