GAFSP Strengthens Global Commitment to Family Farming

The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program marked an important moment at the Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF) held during the World Food Forum 2024 in Rome, reaffirming its support for family farmers. As a co-organizer of the event, GAFSP emphasized the essential role of family farmers in building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, aligned with the United Nations Decade of Family Farming.

Empowering Family Farmers

Family farmers, who produce 80% of the world's food, are key players in the transition towards sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient agrifood systems. At GFFF 2024, GAFSP reiterated its dedication to supporting family farmers in overcoming challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and market exclusion. GAFSP's approach focuses on empowering farmers through Producer Organizations (POs), fostering bottom-up, community-driven solutions.

“Investing in family farming is investing in resilience,” said Natasha Hayward, Program Manager of GAFSP during her closing remarks. She highlighted the importance of providing direct support to producer organizations, which enables farmers to create sustainable, diverse, and resilient agrifood systems.

Investing in Producer Organizations, Women and Youth

GAFSP highlighted the importance of supporting Producer Organizations (POs) as a vital strategy for fostering resilience in family farming. “Producer Organizations empower family farmers to lead from the bottom up,” said Alberta Guerra, GAFSP CSO Liaison Officer. “By investing in POs, we ensure that solutions are driven by those most affected. This is true farmer-led resilience.” The session showcased how POs adapted swiftly during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring food production continued, even amidst global disruptions.

In parallel, GAFSP spotlighted the critical leadership of women and youth in shaping the future of family farming. These groups play an essential role in transforming agrifood systems into models that are inclusive, sustainable, and climate-smart. By empowering women and youth, GAFSP ensures that family farming remains central to global food security efforts and the broader fight against food insecurity.

Championing Family Farmers on the Frontlines

As part of the Voices for Change station at the forum, GAFSP leadership highlighted the radical yet essential need to invest directly in family farmers, particularly during times of conflict. POs are key to sustaining food production and community resilience, ensuring food systems endure the most challenging circumstances. Additionally, GAFSP’s support enables farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices, such as agroecology, safeguarding both food security and biodiversity.

Looking ahead, GAFSP remains committed to family farming in achieving global goals, including SDG 2: Zero Hunger. As Natasha Hayward emphasized, "Family farmers are central agents of change in achieving sustainable development, and GAFSP is proud to support their efforts through initiatives like the PO-led track BIFT and Vision 2030."

GAFSP also announced a new PO-led Call for Proposals in 2025, focusing on regional projects aimed at strengthening cooperation and collective action among family farmers.

GAFSP’s participation in GFFF 2024 further solidified its role as a champion for family farmers, driving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems. As the world continues to confront climate change and food insecurity, GAFSP stands firmly alongside family farmers—ensuring they have the tools and support needed to build a more sustainable future for all.