By Blake Jackson
Farmers are central to climate action because they manage natural resources, adopt and develop new agricultural practices, and generate information that is increasingly used throughout food supply chains.
During Climate Week NYC 2026, Dr. Daniel Mwendah M’Mailutha, president of the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO), emphasized the need to recognize farmers not only as producers but also as partners in environmental action, innovation, and agricultural data management.
Agricultural communities are facing growing challenges from biodiversity loss, deteriorating soil health, and increasing pressure on water supplies. These problems can affect farm productivity as well as long-term livelihoods.
Speaking at a session on forest protection and traceability for African cacao producers, M’Mailutha explained that farmers both depend on biodiversity and can contribute to its restoration. Pollinators, natural pest control, healthy soils, and native ecosystems all support agricultural production.
WFO said farmers need appropriate infrastructure, financing, and supportive policies to implement conservation practices that fit local conditions.
Innovation was another major focus. At a Climate Week discussion on scaling biological solutions through public-private partnerships, M’Mailutha highlighted the importance of involving farmers from the earliest stages of research and development.
Agricultural technologies are more likely to be useful when they address practical farm needs and incorporate farmers’ knowledge. Access also depends on affordability and financing, including credit and insurance products designed around agricultural risks, seasonal production, and farm income cycles.
Farm data is becoming increasingly important as food companies work to track and report greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers can use reliable data to improve resource management and make informed operational decisions, but collecting and maintaining that information requires time, technical skills, and financial resources.
At the September 24, 2026, “Data: The New Cash Crop” session, WFO and Virginia Tech’s Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative examined how agricultural data is created, shared, and used.
Consistent with WFO’s digitalization and artificial intelligence policy, the organization argues that farmers should be recognized as participants in the data economy. They should have meaningful control over their information, representation in data governance, and a fair opportunity to benefit from the value generated from farm data.
Looking toward UNFCCC COP31 and future climate discussions, WFO plans to continue advocating for farmers and their organizations to participate in decisions affecting agricultural sustainability, while ensuring that the costs and benefits of climate action are considered at the farm level.
Photo Credit: world-farmers-organisation
Categories: New York, Business, Government & Policy