Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation pledged to accelerate innovation to bolster food security, adopting a joint declaration at their ministerial-level meeting in Seoul on Sunday.
According to Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the declaration reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable agri-food systems among the 21 APEC member countries.
“In the face of complex challenges, food security remains a significant issue with localized areas of acute hunger,” the joint statement read. “Advanced technologies, policy tools and practices can enhance efficiency, boost productivity and improve resilience across the production, manufacturing, distribution and consumption of agri-food products.”
It outlines strategies to tackle food security threats at every stage of production, distribution and consumption, while advancing the adoption of new technologies and bridging the digital divide. It also sets out plans for rural revitalization, support for young farmers and improved food accessibility, all areas Korea has taken a keen interest in.
Following the adoption of the declaration, the meeting, chaired by Korea, continued discussions under the theme “Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity.”
Key discussions included a mid-term review of the 2030 food security roadmap, adoption of detailed operating rules for working-level food security policy talks, sharing of innovation-driven practices and cooperation on the use of artificial intelligence.
“It is deeply meaningful that all member economies have united to adopt the Ministerial Declaration at a time when food security carries profound global significance,” Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung said at the meeting.
“I hope this meeting will help promote Korea’s agri-food innovation policies, rooted in our experience in overcoming food crises, along with the value and excellence of K-Food+, thereby contributing to enhancing our nation’s global standing.”
K-Food+ encompasses agricultural and food products, along with related industries such as smart farming, agricultural equipment and veterinary medicines.
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Song held bilateral talks with Tran Duc Thang, acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam, and Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, on agricultural policy priorities and expanding exports of Korean agri-food products, including chicken and fruit for Vietnam and halal-certified beef for Malaysia.
Korea will also host a trilateral agriculture ministers’ meeting with China and Japan on Monday.
“Through a series of meetings, Korea has cemented its position as a key player in setting the agenda on pressing global agricultural challenges, from food security and climate action to digital transformation,” Song said during a press briefing.
“They also allowed us to spotlight the brand value of K-Food alongside our advanced agricultural technologies and smart farming solutions. Building on this momentum, our ministry will actively pursue concrete follow-up projects, diversify diplomatic channels and bolster our capacity to respond to food security challenges.”
The minister also pointed to opportunities to deepen partnerships with Latin American and Southeast Asian countries and, on the food security front, to enhance APEC’s food crisis warning system and seek to establish a technology cooperation center.
APEC's 21 members include 12 economies in Asia — including seven from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — along with five in the Americas, three in Oceania, and Russia.
minmin@heraldcorp.com
