Greeting of the Governing Mayor of Berlin

Klaus Wowereit,
Governing Mayor of Berlin

Dear Readers,

Berlin, the capital of Germany, extends a very warm welcome to the participants of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA).

Traditionally, the International Green Week, is not only the world's largest fair for food, agriculture and horticulture; it is also an important forum for experts to discuss global issues that arise in the field of agricultural policy.

One excellent example of this is the GFFA, the key agricultural policy event in the context of the International Green Week which is expected to draw ministers and representatives from industry, the scientific community and civil society from around the world to Berlin.

In the face of destitution and hunger in many countries, one of the great challenges for the international community lies in bringing the long-term security of food supplies for the still rapidly growing world population into line with the protection and conservation of natural resources.  In view of limited land and scarce water resources, and given the many competing interests, this is a challenging task which requires a joint and global effort. The 2012 GFFA adresses this issue under the motto: "Food Security through Sustainable Growth  –  Farming with Limited Resources".

I wish the conference every success and all participants a pleasant stay in the German capital.

Klaus Wowereit

Governing Mayor of Berlin