The Twelfth Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Agriculture took place on June 8, 2022, hosted virtually by China. The theme was “Strengthening BRICS Cooperation for Coordinated Agricultural and Rural Development.” Ministers acknowledged the role of BRICS countries in global food security and discussed enhancing food production, agricultural productivity, rural development, and support for smallholders. They stressed the importance of resilience against climate change, the integration of digital technologies, and the development of agricultural research and innovation.

The meeting also focused on upgrading agricultural value chains, agro-biodiversity conservation, natural resource efficiency, fisheries, traditional farming practices, reducing food loss and waste, controlling animal and plant diseases, and supporting the multilateral trading system and WTO reforms.

The ministers committed to implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and explored expanding intra-BRICS trade. The importance of infrastructure, public services in rural areas, and South-South Cooperation was also highlighted.

The meeting concluded with an endorsement of the BRICS Strategy on Food Security Cooperation and anticipation for the next meeting in South Africa in 2023.