Vilsack and Ritz will attend G20 meetings

Agricultural Ministers Meeting will take place in Istanbul, Turkey

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will join 19 of his colleagues at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting scheduled to take place from May 7^th – 8^th in Istanbul, Turkey.

"The G20 ministerial provides an important platform for agricultural leaders to discuss efforts to improve food security around the world," said Vilsack. "From the U.S. perspective, reducing post-harvest loss and food waste play a major role in this effort. We also believe that nations must acknowledge the important role that science plays in increasing crop production and the role that open, rules-based trade can play in growing economies and fostering food security in the face of a changing climate."

After the G20, Vilsack will make his way to Amman, Jordan, to take part in signing a government-to-government food assistance agreement.

The G20 supports international economic cooperating and decision making. It consists of 19 countries and the European Union. The G20 is responsible for about 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of the world’s population.

One of the other countries that will be represented at the G20 is Canada.

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz will attend the meetings with the hopes of building on the relationships formed by some legislation including the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Ritz will also hold meetings with other agriculture ministers to improve Canada’s agricultural standing other countries.

"Agricultural trade and innovation are fundamental for economic growth and global food security,” said Minister Ritz. “Our Government believes in the ongoing importance of cooperative efforts through the G20 to promote global growth and prosperity.”

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