The Department of Agriculture (DA) attended the 18th Agriculture Ministers’ Conference on the occasion of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, Germany on January 14-17, 2026, with the theme “Water. Harvests. Our Future,” focusing on using water sustainably, strengthening the blue bioeconomy, finding constructive solutions to competing uses, and strengthening international water governance.

The attendance of the DA in the 18th GFFA is headed by the DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit, Engr. Roger V. Navarro, accompanied by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Director Gina Parde-Nilo, Ph.D., and Engr. Patrick Benson B. Espanto. The Philippine Embassy Minister and Consul and Agricultural Attaché in Berlin, Germany also joined the DA delegation during the forum.

The 18th GFFA kicked off on January 15, 2026 with the Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM) attended by the Ministry of Agriculture Representatives of 59 participating countries. Director Nilo of BSWM represented the DA and participated in finalizing the draft communiqué to take action for greater water and food security.

The highlight of the event took place on January 17, 2026 where 59 Ministers of Agriculture assembled and delivered their country commitments in line with this year’s GFFA theme. In the 2-minute ministerial speech delivered by Undersecretary Roger Navarro, efforts of the DA on water-efficient and climate smart systems such as investments in solar-powered irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, drought preparation and mitigation measures, agri-aqua systems strengthening blue bioeconomy, sustainable land management technologies, and legislative agenda on water resources management were emphasized. The final communique of the 18th GFFA can be found in this link: 18th GFFA Communique.