G20 Agriculture: Lollobrigida Highlights Mattei Plan as Model

Rome: Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, emphasized the Mattei Plan as a model for addressing global agricultural challenges during the recent G20 summit. Lollobrigida pointed out that a similar proposal was presented at last year’s G7 summit, which Italy chaired, aiming to engage non-European countries in cooperative efforts.

According to Ansa News Agency, Lollobrigida stressed the pressing issue of hunger, particularly in Africa, where the battle against food insecurity is not progressing. He cited recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicating a regression in the continent’s fight against hunger. He also highlighted Italy’s commitment to promoting food sovereignty and protecting food models connected to local cultures.

The minister underscored the cultural significance of food, stating that it is a form of cultural expression and that communities should have the ability to preserve their culinary traditions. Lollobrigida described his meeting with South African counterpart John Steenhuizen as highly productive, noting that Italy and South Africa are working together both commercially and strategically. This collaboration aims to develop tangible solutions to combat food insecurity across the African continent.