The Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists of G20 states (MACS-G20) is a gathering of chief agricultural scientists and research administrators from G20 members and international research institutions. The meeting aims to discuss global research priorities and strengthen collaboration among members and institutions. The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) has participated since the first MACS-G20 (held in Mexico in 2012), contributing to discussions aimed at resolving international issues.

The 13th MACS-G20 was held in Brazil from May 15–17, 2024. Japan was represented by Deputy Director-General SAKAIDA Teruya of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries alongside President KOYAMA Osamu and Dr. KISHII Masahiro (Senior Researcher, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) of JIRCAS.

As concerns over global food security grow due to the worsening of extreme weather caused by climate change and the increase in geopolitical risks, discussions focused on “Science and Agriculture,” “Food Security and Agricultural/Food Systems,” and “Climate Change and the Resilience of Agricultural/Food Systems.” Dr. Kishii presented the results of an international joint research project on wheat blast disease, initiated during Japan’s chairmanship in 2019.

On May 17, the final day of the meeting, the “Chair Summary and Outcome Document” was compiled and published on the MACS-G20 website.

The participants also visited the Cerrado Agricultural Research Center of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA-CPAC), where they were introduced to the latest research on sustainable agriculture, including soil health diagnostics using enzyme activity and wheat research (breeding, disease control, and intercropping with soybeans).

The next MACS-G20 will be held in South Africa.