Countries on both shores of the Mediterranean are working together to find joint solutions to strengthen the resilience of their agricultural systems and food security undermined by the invasion of Ukraine. Marked by the current crisis in grains and input markets, the 9th MED-Amin meeting takes place on 22 and 23 November 2022 in CIHEAM Zaragoza (Spain) to address current and future challenges to food security in the region and strengthen cooperation.

The event, jointly organized by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, CIHEAM Montpellier, and CIHEAM Zaragoza brings together experts and policymakers from 13 Mediterranean countries, as well as key partner organizations involved in the agricultural market and food security monitoring. Among them, representatives from key international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Agriculture Market Information System Secretariat, AMIS), the Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS), the European Commission, the International Grain Council (IGC), and the World Food Program.

Fernando Miranda, General Secretary of Agriculture and Food of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, told the audience today in his opening remarks that is crucial to work together in the framework of MED-Amin network in order to face the big challenge of climate change and the market uncertainties caused by the invasion of Ukraine and by the high energy prices. For those purposes, sustainability production through innovation and knowledge, among others, will be essential.

The opening session was also attended by the Regional Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment of the Government of Aragon, Joaquín Olona, who acknowledged the work of the MED-Amin information network. In this sense, he stressed that "information is key" to the functioning of the markets. Olona referred specifically to the repercussions for Aragon of the situation of the agri-food markets. "We are exporters of meat products and importers of cereals. Therefore, the situation of the markets affects us in a critical way", said the Aragon Regional Minister.

Successful experience of collaboration in the Mediterranean

MED-Amin, the Mediterranean Agricultural Market Information Network, is a successful experience of collaboration between the two shores of the Mediterranean, fostering market transparency and dialogue. Launched in 2014 by the Ministers of Agriculture of the 13 Mediterranean Member States of the CIHEAM, the initiative is coordinated by CIHEAM Montpellier.

As Elen Lemaître-Curri, Deputy Director of CIHEAM Montpellier, stated: “During its 9 years of existence, the MED-Amin initiative has been providing effective solutions for market transparency and dialogue. On the occasion of the Network’s 9th Annual Meeting, in a context of high uncertainty in agricultural markets and climate change impacts, we are glad to announce a new mobilization of all network members and many key international experts towards an early warning system to make the Mediterranean more resilient to future shocks”.

A region particularly exposed to climate change and market uncertainties

The conflict in the Black Sea region highlights interdependence between food systems, energy markets, global peace, and food security. The Mediterranean region is one of the most exposed. The countries in Northern Africa and the Near East produce 40% of their wheat needs; Spain, 40% of its maize needs.

“Once again, we must observe the fragility of our Mediterranean food systems, dependent on prices and availability in exporting regions. In particular, the conflict in the Black Sea demonstrates, if need be, that the difficulties of a region that is a source of agricultural and energy supplies have direct repercussions on Mediterranean economies and communities”, said Plácido Plaza, Secretary General of the CIHEAM.

To complete the picture, climate change is playing a major role in jeopardizing food security in the region. The high temperatures and drought conditions experienced in many parts of the Mediterranean Basin in 2022 affected the growth of crops, resulting in lower yields and production.

Raúl Compés, director of CIHEAM Zaragoza, highlighted the vulnerability of the region to climate change. “Climate change affects the Mediterranean region much more than the world average, jeopardizing the sustainable provision of food security, mainly in southern and eastern countries. To deal with this situation, it is necessary to intensify the transformation towards sustainable agri-food models”, said Compés.

The MED-Amin meeting offers a unique opportunity to discuss those global phenomena and open ground for joint solutions. The conclusions of the two-day event will contribute to a renewed analysis of national and regional needs, and pave the way for new MED-Amin activities.    

More about the MED-Amin Network: www.med-amin.org