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The 22 countries of the Ibero-American Community have agreed to step up cooperation to strengthen their agrifood systems through the Córdoba Declaration, adopted during the 12th Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries. The document sets out a shared vision for the future of the agrifood sector in a region comprising nearly 700 million inhabitants.
The declaration addresses areas such as food and nutrition security, sustainable production, innovation and digitalization, water management, trade, generational renewal, and women's participation. Furthermore, for the first time in these ministerial conferences, issues related to fisheries and aquaculture have been included.
Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas highlighted Ibero-America's significance as an agri-food powerhouse and its contribution to global food security. He noted that the region possesses substantial productive capacity, natural resources, knowledge, and human capital, as well as a long history of cooperation.
The agreement comes against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, market volatility, sanitary risks, and climate-related disruptions. Faced with these challenges, countries view science, innovation, technology, and digitalization as essential for boosting productivity and creating opportunities in rural and coastal areas.
The Córdoba Declaration also emphasizes the need to strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation to protect human, animal, and plant health. Furthermore, it advocates for greater coordination between Ibero-American countries and specialized international organizations, and acknowledges the efforts to develop a Food Security and Nutrition Strategy for the region.
The conference brought together some twenty national delegations in Córdoba, Spain, alongside observers and international organizations. The meeting is part of the roadmap leading to the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for November in Madrid.
September 25, 2026/ MAPA/ Spain.
https://www.mapa.gob.es
