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The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in the Netherlands has several Permanent Representations at different international organizations. Their assignment: to tackle major global challenges in agriculture, fisheries and biodiversity through multilateral policy. In this 10th edition of the Agrospecial e-magazine, our colleagues of the Permanent Representations in Brussels, Paris, Rome and Geneva showcase their work. We hope you will enjoy reading their motivating stories and how they help voice the responsibility of the Netherlands for global food system issues.
Addressing global challenges in agriculture and fisheries requires collaborative efforts on a multilateral scale. For instance, biodiversity loss is a pressing global concern that necessitates unified action. Climate change also poses significant threats to the agricultural and fisheries sectors, with its impacts already being felt. While the magnitude of these effects may vary across regions, the overall food security of the world is at risk.
Efforts of the Netherlands in multilateral policy
In order to tackle major global challenges, the efforts of the Netherlands in multilateral policy encompass four primary areas: peace and security; human rights, democracy and the rule of law; global economic stability; and sustainable development.
Furthermore, three cross-cutting themes are prioritized: climate change, biodiversity and pollution; health; and digitalization. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as guiding principles in these initiatives. For a more comprehensive understanding of the efforts of the Netherlands within a multilateral framework, the policy document Global Multilateralism: Defining the Kingdom of the Netherlands' Position in a Changing Multilateral Order offers detailed insights.
'While the magnitude of climate change and biodiversity loss may vary across regions, the overall food security of the world is at risk’
Permanent Representations at multilateral organizations
The Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality has several Permanent Representations at different multilateral organizations. In addition to voicing and sharing the Dutch global responsibility, these representations aim to influence European legislation, learn about improved agriculture, fisheries and biodiversity policies from other countries, develop common standards (e.g., the certification of seeds) and protect Dutch trade interests.
Motivating stories and projects
In this 10th edition of the Agrospecial e-magazine, our colleagues of the Permanent Representations in Brussels (European Union), Paris (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Rome (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations) and Geneva (World Trade Organization) highlight their contributions. They introduce us to their organizations and provide insights into their daily routines, as well as examples of projects and motivating stories of other individuals working within their organizations.
We hope this will help you get a better understanding of their work and that it inspires you to collaborate with them after reading this e-magazine! Enjoy your reading!
Jan-Kees Goet,
Secretary-General, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality
Reading guide
This e-magazine consists of nine articles. Next to the insights about the work of the Permanent Representations of the Netherlands at the EU, OECD, FAO and WTO, there is more to read: the impact of the upcoming European elections, the WaPor project, and interviews with LNV Counselor Carla Boonstra, Agricultural Policy Analyst at the OECD Koen Deconinck and head of the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) of WTO Melvin Spreij.
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March 2024
