Declaration of Ministers of Agriculture of the Andean Community

The Andean Community Commission, through Decision 471, established the formation of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture, composed of the top agricultural authorities holding ministerial rank or equivalent status (Secretaries of State) in the Member Countries. This permanent body is tasked with issuing non-binding opinions on matters within its mandate, directed to the Commission or the General Secretariat, as appropriate. **To date, six meetings of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture have been held, consolidating it as a high-level political forum for the coordination of regional strategies in the agricultural sector. Notably, in February 2021, the first forum of agricultural ministers was convened, marking a milestone by enabling the adoption of the Andean Agricultural Agenda (AAA)—a joint roadmap that guides regional policies and projects in this field.** **During the Sixth Meeting of the Council, held on August 1, 2024, the Member Countries reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the Agenda, emphasizing the need to promote actions that strengthen agri-food systems, improve food safety and animal/plant health, boost regional trade, and expand access to international markets. This regional commitment particularly underscores the importance of fostering the inclusion of small-scale producers, with a strong focus on Family Farming and the empowerment of Rural Women, as central pillars for the sustainable and inclusive development of the Andean agricultural sector.** --- The Andean Community Commission, through Decision 471, established the formation of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture, composed of the top agricultural authorities holding ministerial rank or equivalent status (Secretaries of State) in the Member Countries. This permanent body is tasked with issuing non-binding opinions on matters within its mandate, directed to the Commission or the General Secretariat, as appropriate. To date, six meetings of the Council of Ministers of Agriculture have been held, consolidating it as a high-level political forum for the coordination of regional strategies in the agricultural sector. Notably, in February 2021, the first forum of agricultural ministers was convened, marking a milestone by enabling the adoption of the Andean Agricultural Agenda (AAA)—a joint roadmap that guides regional policies and projects in this field. During the Sixth Meeting of the Council, held on August 1, 2024, the Member Countries reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the Agenda, emphasizing the need to promote actions that strengthen agri-food systems, improve food safety and animal/plant health, boost regional trade, and expand access to international markets. This regional commitment particularly underscores the importance of fostering the inclusion of small-scale producers, with a strong focus on Family Farming and the empowerment of Rural Women, as central pillars for the sustainable and inclusive development of the Andean agricultural sector.