Irish Minister Martin Heydon in Berlin for Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2026
Irish delegation advances dialogue on food security and international agricultural cooperation
February 04th, 2026
Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, travelled to Berlin to participate in the 2026 Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), hosted by Germany’s Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer. The GFFA serves as a key international platform bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to exchange views and develop solutions addressing global food security and the future of sustainable agriculture.
During his visit, Minister Heydon took part in plenary and breakout sessions, as well as discussions focusing on the sustainable use of water in agriculture. He also participated in a walking tour of Grüne Woche (Green Week), one of the world’s leading international exhibitions for food, agriculture, and horticulture, which provides an important showcase for innovation, best practice, and international cooperation across the agri-food sector.
Minister Heydon led the Irish delegation in a series of ten bilateral meetings with counterparts and representatives from Bulgaria, Croatia, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, and Romania, as well as with the Food Security Committee of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These engagements provided valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives on shared challenges, strengthen bilateral relations, and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the close ties between Ireland and South Africa, Minister Heydon presented South Africa’s Minister, John Steenhuisen MP, with a County Wicklow GAA jersey in recognition of his grandmother’s Irish heritage.
Minister Heydon was accompanied by Ireland’s Ambassador to Germany, Maeve Collins, the Embassy’s Agriculture Attaché, Dr. Sorcha Wheatley, and experts from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Their presence supported Ireland’s active engagement across the forum and bilateral meetings, ensuring a coordinated and informed contribution to discussions on global food systems and agricultural sustainability.
Minister Heydon expressed appreciation to Germany’s Federal Minister of Agriculture, Alois Rainer, and the staff of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture for hosting a well-organized and productive forum. He also thanked colleagues from Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their expertise and support in preparing for Ireland’s participation, underscoring the value of continued international collaboration in advancing global food security.
