FOR RELEASE ON: May 2, 2026

Sao Paulo, Brazil — May 2, 2026 — The Global Farmer Network® (GFN®) concluded its annual Global Farmer Network Roundtable and Communication Training program in Sao Paulo, Brazil, bringing together 18 farmers from 17 countries across the globe for an intensive program focused on communication skills, science-based advocacy, and dialogue around global agricultural challenges.

Held April 27–May 1, 2026, the weeklong program combined policy roundtables, professional communication training, and field visits under the theme “One Voice.” Led by experienced farmer-members of the GFN, participants worked together to better understand how farmers—despite regional differences—can engage effectively with policymakers, media, and the public on shared global agricultural challenges.

“The energy and commitment from this group of farmers is exceptional,” said Mary Boote, CEO of the Global Farmer Network. “They didn’t just talk about the importance of sharing their agricultural voices—they practiced it, refined it, and committed to carrying it forward within their own countries and as part of our global network.”

Expanding the network’s global reach and diversity, these farmers are now members of the GFN, selected from more than 200 nominations:

  • Amine Bennani, Morocco
  • Lucas Camolese, Brazil
  • Inota Cheta, Zambia
  • Ingrid Graziano, Brazil
  • Zainab Lawal Gwadabe, Nigeria
  • Prabhu Sankar Krishnan, India
  • George Mailat, Romania
  • Merle Massie, Canada
  • Alida Matsa, Lesotho
  • Sara Mohr, United States-IA
  • Tsuyoshi Nakamori, Japan
  • Sunita Nhemaphuki, Nepal
  • Christopher Jequier Nickelsen, Chile
  • Jean Claude Niyomugabo, Rwanda
  • Ayse Oksuz, Turkey
  • Jose Luis Perez Miranda, Mexico
  • Franco Rochon, Uruguay
  • Varban Varbanov, Bulgaria

From Training to Action

The Brazil event built on a series of virtual training modules held earlier this year that focused on message discipline, personal storytelling, and building trust. In Sao Paulo, farmers applied those skills through:

  • GFN Roundtable discussions on agricultural policy, trade and technology, environment and sustainability, and farmer‑led advocacy
  • Hands‑on communication training sessions addressing engagement with policymakers, journalists, and diverse audiences
  • Visits to Estancia Agro Farm, a Bayer ForwardFarm and the BASF Research Station in Santo Antonio de Posse
  • Collaborative exercises aimed at defining shared values and aligning individual advocacy plans with broader global goals

Throughout the program, farmers shared personal experiences from their operations, emphasizing agriculture’s role in addressing climate change, soil health, biodiversity, economic resilience, and food and nutrition security.

“Learning directly from farmers in other regions helped clarify where our challenges overlap, and where our voices are strongest together,” said Paul Temple, UK, Chairman of the GFN Board.

Thank you to the partners, both companies and individuals, who help deliver this dynamic program for farmers including, Bayer, BASF, Cargill, CropLife International, UPL, CLAAS, Cooperfarms, Dick Hebert, Syngenta Group, Bunge, Grupo Botuvera, Grupo Cabrera, Dulce Ciochetta, Yara de Geus, and Richard Dijkstra.

The program is invitation-only and designed specifically with a strong focus on building connections among farmers, enhancing communication skills, and preparing participants to be fully trained and equipped to use their voice in global discussions on food and agriculture, promoting innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.

The next Roundtable and Communication training program will be held in 2027. If you are interested in being a financial partner, or to submit a nomination, please visit www.globalfarmernetwork.org.

About the Global Farmer Network

The Global Farmer Network is a non-profit organization whose mission is to amplify the farmers’ voice in promoting trade, technology, sustainable farming, economic growth, and food security.

For more information, visit www.globalfarmernetwork.org

Media Contact:
Mary Boote, CEO Global Farmer Network
[email protected] · +1 515-240-4545