Since 2009, the GFFA has taken place every year in Berlin at the same time as the Grüne Woche trade fair. It
provides important impetus for the further development of global agri-food policy. The GFFA is a unique plat-
form for networking and dialogue: every year, the approximately 20 public events hosted during the GFFA attract
up to 2,000 international actors from politics, civil society, industry and the scientific community. The political
highlight of the GFFA is the world’s largest Agriculture Ministers’ Conference, which brings together around 70
ministers each year for joint discussion and cooperation.

The 2026 GFFA will focus on the issue of water. Water is the basis of all life and of all economic activity. Access to
clean water is also inextricably linked to the human right to adequate food. Today, there are already more than
two billion people suffering from water stress. This stress is being further exacerbated by climate change, and by
the overuse and pollution of water resources. Agriculture is severely affected by climate change and water stress.
Agriculture is the world’s largest consumer of water, accounting for 72 percent of total use, which is why it plays a
key role and can make a major contribution to finding a solution. A growing global population requires more food
and potable water. At the same time, water reserves need to be preserved and increased.

The international community has already put water resilience at the top of its global political agenda. The United
Nations created momentum for the issue of water by hosting the landmark United Nations Water Conference in
2023. This momentum towards more commitment, efficiency and cooperation in water policies will be taken up
by the 2026 GFFA.