Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

16 - 18 June 2025, FAO HQ, Rome, Italy. Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation

This conference discussed the latest advancements, opportunities and risks associated with biotechnologies, and to examine how biotechnologies can drive agrifood systems transformation, ensuring equitable access and delivering meaningful impacts at all levels.

Objectives 

• Highlight past achievements, recent advancements and future trends in biotechnologies and their transformative potential for achieving efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.
• Explore how biotechnologies, including low-tech tools and advanced innovations, such as genome editing and synthetic biology, can empower small-scale producers, processors, traders and retailors to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and build resilience to climate challenges.
• Share good practices in integrating digital technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and bioinformatics, to advance research, improve access, and scale biotechnological innovations.
• Discuss the experience in development of policies and legislation to ensure the safe, equitable, and responsible application of biotechnologies, addressing risks and building public trust.
• Foster global collaboration by connecting policymakers, scientists, civil society organizations, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to drive inclusive biotechnological solutions, ensuring no one is left behind in the transformation of agrifood systems.

"Biotechnology is not a substitute for traditional knowledge, but instead it is a valuable complement. It must be accessible to those on the front lines of agrifood systems: farmers, rural communities, and stewards of the environment. Responsible governance, appropriate regulatory frameworks, public trust, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to ensure that no one is left behind in this era of rapid transformation." QU Dongyu FAO Director-General 

Extracts of the programme

16/06 Opening plenary session

The panel highlighted some of the recent advancements such as synthetic biology, microbial metabolic engineering, molecular data science, analytics, computational methods including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to development and application of biotechnological solutions. 

FAO Webcast

• Welcome and opening Address, Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General, FAO 
• Vincent Martin, moderator
• Science-based approaches to support food security, better nutrition and food safety in the context of transforming agrifood systems - Mr. Carlos Goulart, Secretary of Animal and Plant Health at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil
• Biotechnologies as catalysts for agrifood systems transformation and its role in achieving multiple SDGs - Mr Víctor Manuel Villalobos Arámbula, Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mexico 
• Role of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in development and application of Biotechnologies - Mr Sanwen Huang, President, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), Hainan, China
• Application of biotechnologies for smallholders - Mr Papa Abdoulaye Seck, Former Director General, Africa Rice Center and Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senegal
• Taking stock of the past achievements, status and recent breakthroughs in biotechnological research and development - Ms Louise Fresco Professor & Former President, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands: She stressed the promises of biotechnology 1.0 and biotehnology 2.0

16/06 Looking at the Future: Biotechnologies for achieving efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems and food security

The panel discussion highlighted some of the recent advancements such as synthetic biology, microbial metabolic engineering, molecular data science, analytics, computational methods including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to development and application of biotechnological solutions.

FAO Webcast

• Looking at the future: International cooperation and partnerships for promoting biotechnologies for efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems - Ms Jelena Begovic, Chair, Board of Governors, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy and Former Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Government of Serbia.
• Application of synthetic biology and microbial metabolic engineering for food security and nutrition - Ms Claudia Vickers, Professor, Queensland University of Technology, Australia
• Molecular data science - Analytics and computational methods, including AI, applied to genome, protein sequence, and small molecule data - Mr Justin Gerke, Sr. Data Science Manager, Corteva Agriscience, Indianapolis, IN, USA
• Exploring the Future of biotechnologies: Integrating foresight across UN and Beyond - Mr Chris Earney, Head UN Futures Lab/Global Hub, UN Futures Lab/Global Hub Executive Office of the Secretary General at the Unities Nations, New York, USA
• Biotechnologies at work for smallholder farmers: Lessons of the past, challenges and opportunities of the future - Mr Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj, Indian Farmers Forum, New Delhi, India: Phylantropic organizations should not influence policy
• Role of private sector in promoting biotechnological solutions: Increasing investments and engagements - Mr Michael Keller, Secretary General, International Seeds Federation, Nyon, Switzerland
  
  + 22:35:50 Intervention from Ms Louise Fresco

16/06 FAO/IAEA Joint centre and the Biotechnologies abstract winners

Atrium side event: Extract: Evaluation of transgenic cowpea with combined resistance to the Legume pod borer and cowpea weevil - Mr Jerry Nboyine, Principal Research Scientist (Entomologist) at CSIR - Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale. Ghana

16/06 Biotechnological innovations and sustainability frontiers

The session focused on some recent and specific biotechnological innovations including gene editing, synthetic biology, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, cell based products and its wide range of novel solutions for resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

FAO Webcast

• Biotechnologies to the most vulnerable communities: Participatory action research with indigenous peoples and peasant communities, and advice on public policies and programs - Ms Georgina Catacora-Vargas, Member of the IPES-Food panel, and professor at the Academic Peasant Unit ‘Tiawanacu’ of the Bolivian Catholic University, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
• Revolutionary gene editing technology for affordable and accessible solutions in agrifood systems - Mr Brad Ringeisen, Executive Director, Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI), Berkeley, California, USA (On-line)
• Application of the latest DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics methods to advance scientific understanding of crop genetics and interaction with their environment - Mr Mario Caccamo, Chief Executive Officer and Director, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Biotechnological and food innovation – How plant and cell- based products will transform our agrifood systems? - Mr Bruce Friedrich, President and Founder, The Good Food Institute, Washington, D.C., USA
• Molecular biological research for development of stress tolerance and resilient crops - Mr. Yasunari Fujita, Food Program, Program Director, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Japan
• Role of structural and functional changes in the genome, diversity and population’s structure - adaptation to natural environmental variations or human-induced changes - Mr Yves Vigouroux, Director, DIADE Research Unit (Diversity - Adaptation - Plant Development), Institute of Research for Development (IRD), Montpellier, France
• Delivering the benefits of biotechnology tools to farmers: Facilitating the transfer of appropriate biotechnology applications to farmers - Ms Margaret Karembu, Director, International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA), Africa Center, Nairobi, Kenya (On-line)

16/06 Genetic improvement for sustainable crop production systems

The presentation focused on topics such as next generation genomics, molecular breeding, gene editing and synthetic biology for sustainable crop production systems. 

16/06 Biotechnological Innovations in livestock management

The session provided a platform for interactive dialogue on the latest biotechnological applications in animal breeding, conservation of genetic diversity, improvement of feed efficiency and product quality, and the development of next-generation vaccines.

FAO Webcast

16/06 Youth and women in Biotech: Innovating for Tomorrow

FAO Webcast 45 applications were received and 6 were selected for presentation

+ 2:05:00 Intervention from Ms Louise Fresco: "South - South collaboration is really important" "Vasilov vs Lisenko  in Russia: we are go to be evidence driven" "Only a fully rounded individual can bë a good scientist

17/06 Innovation Pathways for development and localization of biotechnologies

The session highlighted some practical examples from the United States and China on product development, localization and commercialization, and safe and appropriate use of technologies to help meet agricultural challenges and consumer needs.

FAO Webcast

• Role of Agricultural education and extension to promote development and localization of biotechnologies: Pathways for promoting biotechnologies in South Africa - Ms Lerato Bame Tsalaemang Matsaunyane, Research Team Manager: Farmer Support, Commercialisation and Enterprise Development, Agricultural Research Council – Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (VIMP), Pretoria, South Africa (On-line)

17/06 Biotechnologies in managing forest genetic resources

• Biotechnologies to enhance the conservation and use of African tree germplasm - Ms Alice Muchugi (Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, World Agroforestry, Kenya)

FAO Webcast

17/06 Fish breeding, diagnostic tools and vaccines for aquatic animals

Brief overview of the main areas where biotechnologies are currently been applied in the fisheries and aquaculture.

17/06 Biotechnological applications for improving nutrition and food quality

• Applying genomics to enhance the use of nutritionally important underutilized crops and trees species: African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) Initiative - Ms Alice Muchugi, Theme Leader, Tree Genetic Resources and Biodiversity, CIFOR-ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya 

 17/06 Biotechnology applications in a sustainable bioeconomy

This session discussed the current issues of sustainability assessments and barriers to adoption of biotechnologies. 

FAO Webcast

• Platforms to enable knowledge transfer and bioeconomy development - Mr. Julius Ecuru, Manager, BioInnovate Africa at ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Kenya 

17/06 Collaborative approaches for ensuring safety of biotechnological applications in food

• Case 2: Importance of information sharing under the Convention of Biological Diversity: Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) - Ms Wadzanayi Mandivenyi, Biosafety Clearing House Manager, Biosafety Unit, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Canada

FAO Webcast

17/06 Climate-Resilient Future: Adapting to biotic and abiotic stresses through biotechnologies

This session highlighted accessible and affordable biotechnological innovations for climate change adaptation, and discuss specificity of some regional initiatives, and opportunities of plant microbiomes research and the development of microbial pro- and pre-biotic products for a more sustainable agriculture.

• Biotechnologies for adapting to climate change: Improving resilience of smallholders in Africa - Mr Sylvester Oikeh Manager Biotech Maize seed system AATF, Nairobi, Kenya (On-line)
• Developing next-generation plant breeding technologies to accelerate the creation of resilient and diverse crops, particularly in response to climate change - Ms Ying Shao, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Plantik Biosciences, Paris, France 

17/06 Private sector in development, uptake and scaling of biotech solutions 

The session highlighted some selected cases from Sweden, Switzerland, Nigeria, USA and Canada. The discussions focused on application of biotechnologies in livestock herd health management, plant breeding, high-quality and high yielding varieties of seeds and scaling efforts. 

• Development of Nigeria’s seed sector by improving access to high-quality, high-yielding varieties for smallholder farmers and promoting agronomic practices that support food security and rural livelihoods - Mr Moses Igyuve, Value Seeds Ltd, Nigeria 

18/06 Scaling Innovations in Biotech: From research to context specific adoption by rural communities

Examples covered economically important tropical crops, recent developments in biological nitrogen inhibition (BNI) and converting waste into biofertilizers. 

FAO Webcast

• Facilitating transition of biotechnologies from the research to adoption enabled through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) roadmap  in South Africa  - Ms Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu, Director: Agricultural Biotechnology, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Pretoria, South Africa 
• Scaling biotech products and response under real-world farmers’ conditions - Mr David Spielman, Director, Innovation Policy & Scaling Unit, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, USA 
• Transforming agricultural waste into bio-fertilizer and outreach to rural women farmers in Uganda - Ms Elizabeth Kabakoyo, Founder, Glowish Agro Solutions, Uganda (On-line)

18/06 Policies in Biotechnology: Ensuring innovation and equity, balancing regulatory frameworks

This session highlighted the policies for equitable access and responsible application of biotechnologies by addressing consumer concerns and ensuring integration of ethical considerations.

• Policy and regulatory affairs for biotechnologies: Experiences from Africa - Mr Francis Nangayo, Senior Manager and Head, Regulatory and Policies, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Nairobi, Kenya.
• Policies and regulations of agricultural biotechnologies in Malawi – stakeholder relations and communications - Ms Lilian Chimphepo, Chief Environmental Officer (Biosafety Registrar), Environmental Affairs Department, Malawi 
• Policy enablers for regulating agricultural biotechnologies in Africa - Mr Samuel Timpo, Principal Programme Officer – Biosafety, Johannesburg, South Africa 

18/06 Closing Plenary Session

African Conference on Agricultural Technologies

9 -12 June 2025. African Conference on Agricultural Technologies (ACAT) Kigali, Rwanda

ACAT is the foremost forum that focuses on game-changing novel agricultural technologies, ideas, and policies that foster agricultural transformation on the continent. The Conference is an agriculture technology transfer platform that promotes innovative and practical solutions to catalyse more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agriculture in Africa. 

It brought together government representatives, industry thought leaders, policymakers, technical experts, private institutions, farmers, women and youth across the globe to discuss and define practical actions and solutions to the challenges of technology access and use faced in the agriculture sector in Africa.

Extracts of the programme

Day 1 Theme: Farmer-Centric Design: Developing Need-Based Solutions

09/10 Farmer-Centric Design: Developing Need-Based Solutions

This session explored how cutting-edge scientific advancements, coupled with appropriate

and accessible technological tools, can be strategically harnessed to empower farmers.

This empowerment encompasses providing them with the knowledge, resources, and

control necessary to make informed decisions, optimize their farming practices, and

navigate the complexities of modern agriculture. Discussions highlighted how STI can

facilitate access to vital information (weather patterns, market prices, best practices),

improve resource management (water, fertilizers, seeds), and enhance their capacity to

adapt to challenges like climate change.

Panel 1: Farmer Representative Voices: Sharing Experiences and Insights

• Mr. Ishmael Sunga, CEO, Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU)
• Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, EAFF
• Mrs. Césarie Kantarama, Farmer & President of the Board, Ingabo Syndicate Rwanda
• Ms. Sharon Akanyana, Founder and Managing Director, Ishyo Foods Ltd

Panel 2: Harnessing STI for Farmer-Centric Solutions

• Mr. Obai Khalifa, Deputy Director, Agricultural Development, Gates Foundation
• Ms. Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director, Rwanda, Heifer International
• Ms. Julie Borlaug, President, Borlaug Foundation
• Mrs. Lucia Zigiriza, Senior Partnership Officer, AGRA

09/10 User-centred design

This panel session explored how a user-centered design approach can revolutionize the development and deployment of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in agriculture, with smallholder farmers and other key stakeholders as integral members of the innovation team.

Sequence 1: How can we better understand and prioritize the specific needs of smallholder African farmers to ensure that technological solutions are truly impactful and sustainable?

• Dr. Milindi Sibomana, Chief Agriculture Officer, One Acre Fund
• Ms. Margaret Awinja, Coordinator, Western Region Farmers Network
• Mr. Anthony Kioko, CEO, CGA
• Prof. Maggie Gill, Board of Trustees Member, AATF
• Dr. Kayode Sanni, Project Manager and Director of The Alliance for Hybrid Rice in Africa (AHyRA), AATF 

Sequence 2: How can we create effective partnerships between researchers, policymakers, private sector actors, and farmers to design scalable farmer centric agtech solutions?

• Prof. Richard O. Oduor, Research, Innovation and Outreach, Kenyatta University
• Prof. Hlami Ngwenya, Head of Research Chair, Communication for Innovation Center for Sustainable Food Systems and Development, University of Free State
• Prof. Bernard Slippers, Board of Trustees Member, AATF
• Prof. Firew Mekbib, Chair, National Variety Release, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
• Dr. Jean Claude Rubyogo, Director, Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) 

09/10 Building robust digital infrastructure in rural areas

This session explored a two-pronged approach: establishing resilient and accessible infrastructure for present impact and proactively developing the robust and interconnected infrastructure required to harness the transformative potential of AI, robotics, precision agriculture, and data analytics.

Sequence 1: How can digital solutions be leveraged to accelerate the adoption and application of agricultural innovations? 

• Dr. Bellancile Uzayisenga, Plant & Microbial Biotechnology Programme Coordinator Senior Principal Research Fellow, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, (RAB) 
• Mr. Deo Massawe, CEO, Bank of Kigali (BK) TecHouse 
• Mr. Emmanuel Assiak, Chief Investment Officer, Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) 
• Dr. Ndambe Magnific, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, RICA

Sequence 2: What are the key challenges and opportunities in deploying digital tools in remote rural areas, and how can these challenges be overcome?

• Mr. Pierre Kayitana, General Manager, Zipline Rwanda
• Mr. Gabriel Macharia, Data Management Officer, AATF
• Mr. Paul Kwengere, Board Member, International Trade Council
• Mr. Faissal Sehbaoui, CEO, AgriEdge 

09/06 Digital divide and promoting Ag-tech literacy

This panel addressed the critical issue of farmers’ voices to the forefront and exploring practical solutions to promote tech literacy and the adoption of farmer-centric agricultural technologies.

Sequence 1: Bridging the Gap - Farmers and Tech Developers in Dialogue 

• Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, EAFF 
• Mr. Pacifique Nshimiyimana, Founder & CEO, Real Green Gold Ltd 
• Mr. Naboho Wiledyo, Farmer, People’s Republic of Burkina Faso 
• Mrs. Tigist Endashaw Bealem, Consultant - Climate Action Policy Advocacy, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 

Sequence 2: Interactive workshop and reporting 

1. What are the effective training and education models for Ag-Tech solutions in Africa? 
2. What are some practical strategies for enhancing access and affordability of digital tools for farmers? 
3. The role of youth in championing digital literacy among older farmers?

Day 2: Theme: Enabling Environment: Investment and partnerships for Ag-Tech Solutions

10/06 : Enabling Environment: Investment and partnerships for Ag-Tech Solutions

This session explored strategic investments across a range of vital linkages, markets, credit facilities, capacity building, and other essential support services.

• Keynote Address: Investing in the Future of African Agriculture - H.E. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, AATF Goodwill Ambassador & Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Panel 1: Charting a Collaborative Roadmap for Quality Partnerships:

• Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director, AATF 
• Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, ILRI
• Dr. Yuichiro Asai, President & CEO, Asai Nursey, Inc
• Dr. Sheila Obim, Executive Director, Alliance for Science
• Prof. Jean Jacques Muhinda, Regional Director East & Southern Africa, AGRA

Panel 2: Building the Ecosystem: Infrastructure, Finance, and Capacity

• Hon. Tesi Rusagara, Minister of State for Resource Mobilization and Public Investments,
  
  Rwanda.
• Ms. Brenda Gunde, Lead Global Technical Specialist ICT4D, Sustainable Products, Markets and Institutions Division, IFAD
• Dr. Stella Simiyu (picture), Director Regulatory Affairs & Stakeholder Relations, CropLife Africa Middle East: see video
  @ 42:27 - 46:38 She answers the question: How do we foster a PPP that works for the farmers?
• Ms. Katie Taft, Communications and Engagement Lead, Gates Ag One
• Mr. Hannington Namara, C.E.O Equity Bank Rwanda

10/06 : Developing sustainable business models for Ag-Tech

This session explored diverse investment opportunities, innovative financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks that can unlock the widespread development and adoption of impactful Ag-Tech.

Sequence 1: For sustainable Ag-Tech to thrive across diverse African markets, what are the primary investment hurdles and the resulting opportunities once these are addressed?

• Dr. Eugene Mutimura, CEO, National Council of Science and Technology, Republic of Rwanda
• Dr. Jonga Munyaradzi, Seed Production Manager, AATF
• Dr. Said Rutabayiro Ngoga, Division Manager for Technology Innovation, Rwanda Information Society Authority
• Ms. Martha Haile, Founder, Abze 

Sequence 2: How can we foster a new generation of innovative agripreneurs who can drive sustainable agricultural development and economic growth?

• Prof. Alfred Bizoza, Professor, University of Rwanda
• Mr. John Agboola, Foundation Manager, AGCO Corporation
• Mr. Peter Wamboga-Mugirya, Director for Communication and Partnerships, Science Foundation for Livelihoods and Development (SCIFODE)
• Dr. Nomathemba Mhlanga, Country Representative, FAO 

10/06 Researchers Dialogue Session Title: Integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern technology solutions

This session examined the synergies between indigenous ecological knowledge—deeply rooted in local cultures and ecosystems—and innovations such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and digital platforms. 

Sequence 1: Collaborative Pathways to Next-Gen Agriculture

• Mrs. Gift A. Kadzamira, Director General, National Commission for Science and Technology Rwanda 
• Dr. Omar Mukama, Lead GCP inspector of Clinical Trials, Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority
• Dr. Allan Liavoga, Technical Advisor, North American Millers Association
• Ms. Bakang K. Kgasudi, PhD student, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sequence 2: Interactive workshop and reporting - Bridging Wisdom and Technology

1. What core elements of traditional farming must be safeguarded and integrated?
2. How can digital agriculture enhance, rather than replace, local practices?
3. What governance mechanisms can ensure ethical knowledge sharing?

Day 3 : Last Mile Delivery: Commercialization and Scaling of Ag-tech Solutions

11/06 Commercialization and Scaling of Ag-tech Solutions

The panellists analysed the persistent barriers hindering access in rural communities and explore how strategic, multi-sectoral partnerships, empowered by cutting-edge technological advancements in logistics and information flow, can revolutionize delivery.

• Project Showcase: Climate Smart Remote Sensing Project in Rice Value Chain Project - Dr. Kayode Sanni, Project Manager and Director of The Alliance for Hybrid Rice in Africa (AHyRA), AATF 
• Opening Remarks & Setting the Stage Mr. Sam Ngabire, Coordinator, Home Grown School Feeding Project, Ministry of Education, Republic of Rwanda 
• Keynote Presentation: Overcoming Last Mile Hurdles -Ms. Mildred Nadah Pita, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability, Bayer

Panel Discussion: Building Robust Partnerships Among Stakeholders (Public, Private, NGOs) for Sustainable Scaling of Ag-Tech Solutions 

• Mr Shavda Tree Onov. CEO of East Africa Agro Limited
• Prof. Karimbhai M. Maredia, Professor and Director of International Programs, Michigan State University -  "The importance of South-South, North-South partnerships for technology transfer"
• Mr. Momar Dieng, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer, AIMS Global Network 
• Dr. Jean Claude Rubyogo, Director, Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) 
• Mr. Dagmawi Habte-Selassie, Country Director, Rwanda, IFAD 

Panel Discussion: Beyond the Pilot, Scaling Ag-Tech Solutions 

• Mr. Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director, Africa Food System Forum (AFSF)
• Ms. Zoë Karl-Waithaka, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) - Inclusive business models
• Dr. Mel Oluoch, Director for Strategic Partnerships, Sasakawa 
• Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) 
• Path Forward: Dr. Oliver Kamana, Permanent Secretary, MINAGRI 

Session: Introducing the Alliance for Cowpea Improvement in Africa (ACIA)

• The Alliance for Cowpea Improvement in Africa (ACIA) is an Africa-focused community of cowpea experts. It responds to the demands of African farmers and consumers for cowpea that is safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable. 
• Cowpea is a delicious and nutritious food crop, one widely featured in African cuisines and widely grown on African farms. The mission of ACIA is to ensure this versatile and resilient crop reaches its full potential to support healthy diets and sustainable, productive farms.
• Presenters: See video below @ 1:52:00
  
  Kira Everhart-Valentin of Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One)
  Prof. Muhammad Lawan Umar - Cowpea breeder, Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Nigeria
  Francis Onyekachi, Manager Product Stewardship and Quality (AATF) He presented the progress on gene edited cowpeas
  Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre - African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

11/06 Licensing and IP: access to proprietary traits and germplasm 

This session delved into the complex landscape of intellectual property (IP) and licensing concerning proprietary traits and germplasm – foundational elements for agricultural innovation and productivity gains in Africa. Access to these protected resources holds immense potential for developing climate-resilient crops, enhancing nutritional value, and improving yields for African farmers. However, navigating the legal, ethical, and economic considerations surrounding IP and licensing is crucial to ensure equitable access and foster sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

While the private and public seed sector share the same goal of developing improved varieties, there are important differences that must be considered when developing appropriate IPR for cultivars developed in the public sector. Public breeding often focuses on crops with high social returns to investment but low private returns, such as small grains, perennials, cover and soil building crops, root and tuber crops, and tree crops. Public breeders often focus on long arc research, that is, research in which the payoff may require many years of work, often by many individuals. After development and proof of concept by the public sector, the new products are commercialized by the private sector with little return of funding to the public side. In many cases the public breeding sector collaborates with the private sector to commercialize public cultivars, and considerations must be made to facilitate this technology transfer. (See: University of Wisconsin-Madison (2016) Intellectual Property Rights and Public Plant Breeding Recommendations, and proceedings of a conference on best practices for intellectual property protection of publicly developed plant germplasm)

Sequence 1: How can intellectual property and licensing frameworks be structured to enable access to proprietary traits and germplasm while still incentivizing innovation?

• Dr. George Smith, Senior Associate Dean for Research, MSU
• Dr. Damaris Odeny, Plant Geneticist, International Crops Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT)
• Dr. Deogracious Protas Massawe, Principal Research Coordination Officer, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology.
  
  He presented: the Tanzania Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) Innovators are trained on the various aspects of IP, enabling them to identify protectable aspects of their inventions. This safeguards their innovations and gives innovators a competitive advantage at the market. The Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) is managing a credit window (1 M USD) under the national fund for advancement of Science and technology (NFAST) to support commercialization of Innovations in collaboration with CRDB bank foundation and the World Bank. The establishment of this special commercialization fund in collaboration with CRDB Bank Foundation to accommodate market penetration of research and innovation products. This special window will serve to: (i) Promote commercialization of research and innovation products in Tanzania; (ii) Attract more financing opportunities within and outside Tanzania for supporting; commercialization of research and innovation products; (iii) De-risk innovators and unlock them to commercial funding from commercial banks. (the call opened on 5th May 2025)

Ag-Tech Frontier: Mechanizing the Last Miles: A viable, all-terrain machine to unlock rural food production - Mr. Eric Lane, Co-Founder and Principal, Prosparity Systems

Sequence 2: From Ownership to Access — Making IP Work for African Farmers. What practical steps are needed to ensure African researchers and farmers benefit from protected germplasm and traits, especially in the context of climate resilience and food security?

• H.E. Ambassador Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, AATF Board
• Ms. Keziah Chomba, Legal Officer, AATF
• Dr. Nyagatare Guillaume, Principal, University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture
  
  "Let's put Intellectual Property Rights in the social context of Africa, and not from an individual gain perspective" 

 

11/06 : Leveraging Ag-Tech for Sustainable Agriculture

This dialogue empowered young people to create, adopt and scale Nextgen AgTech solutions for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future in Africa. This youth dialogue amplified the voices of young farmers and inspire a new generation of agricultural leaders.

Sequence 1: Collaborative Pathways to Next-Gen Agriculture

• Mr. Norman Mugisha, CEO, Afrifarmers Market
• Ms. Mildred Nadah Pita, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability, Bayer
• Mr. Henry Lagat, Lead, Generation Africa, AGRA
• Mr. John Agboola, Foundation Manager, AGCO Corporation

Sequence 2: Interactive workshop and reporting

1. What are the most effective ways to educate and train young farmers on AgTech in a way that resonates with them?
2. How can governments and other stakeholders create a more enabling environment that supports youth engagement in Ag-Tech?
3. How can we foster more effective collaboration between different stakeholders to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impact?

11/06 Private Sector Dialogue: Commercialization and Scaling of Climate Smart and Modern Ag-Tech to the last mile

This private sector dialogue discusses effective strategies for commercialization of climate-relevant agricultural technologies and innovations in Africa.

• Dr. Sylvester Dickson Baguma, Executive Director, ASARECA 
• Ms. Julian Barungi, Program Officer Policy, ASARECA 
• Dr. Joshua Okonya, Program Officer, Agricultural Technology and Innovation, ASARECA 
• Mr. Federico Tonelli, Director of Development & Partnerships, Asili Agriculture 
• Ms. Iheoma Okpara Chienyenwa, Plant Operations Manager, The Rwanda Fertilizer Company Ltd 
• Mr. Innocent Namuhoranye, Chairman, National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR) 
• Mr. Didace Mparirwa, Head of Agriculture and Livestock Cluster, Private Sector Federation (PSF) 
• Dr. Geoffrey Ongoya, Technical Manager, Koppert Biological Systems 
• Ms. Fantu Farris Mulleta, Senior Private Sector Specialist, International Finance Corporation IFC
• Ms. Stella Kimani, Chief Operations Officer, Acre Africa 
• Ms. Sidonie Paques, Climate Finance Investment Lead, The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

  

Day 4 : Cultivating a sustainable future with AgTech Solutions

This subtheme explored practices for product integrity preservation to benefit farmers, enterprises, and consumers while creating regenerative and distributive products that work within the planet’s ecological limits.

• Project Showcase: The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s GenomeEditing Programme: Progress and Milestones - Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Ag. Head, Genome Editing Programme, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD
• Opening Remarks & Setting the Stage - H.E. Ambassador Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, AATF Board
• Keynote Address - Dr. Chris Holdgreve, CEO, Global Stewardship Group (GSG) & Executive Director, Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS) Stewardship  for Transgenetic Plant Technology; Plant breeding Innovation (PBI) such as genome editing and other breeding innovations. 

12/06 Stewardship: Cultivating a sustainable future with Ag-Tech Solutions

This session delved into practices that safeguard product integrity, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of innovations. 

Panel Discussion: Stewardship & Sustainability in Action 

• Prof. Johnnie Van Den Berg, Program Manager: Integrated Pest Management, North-West University, South Africa He mentioned Nigerian Farmer’s Success Story with Bt Cowpea
• Dr. Olusegun Adedayo Yerokun, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, RICA 
• Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, Executive Director, National Agricultural Extension and Liaison Services, Zaria, Nigeria 
• Dr. Gregory Jaffe, President, Jaffe Policy Consulting LLC - He mentioned: the FAO Global Agrifood Biotechnologies Conference Biotechnologies for a Sustainable Future: Driving Agrifood Systems Transformation
• Stella Rosine, Chief Economist Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning Rwanda
• Ms. Evelyn Lusenaka, Director Stewardship Africa Middle East, CropLife Africa Middle East @ 1:15:00 on Pesticides and Stewardship

7th Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice event

 27 November 2024. 7th Asia-Pacific Biopesticides Community of Practice event.

APAARI launched the Asia-Pacific Biopesticide Community of Practice (ABCoP) in May 2024 which serves as a dynamic platform that brings together key players from the biopesticide sector—spanning industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The primary objective of ABCoP is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, foster collaboration, and advance biopesticide promotion and trade opportunities across the region.

 27 November 2024.

Presentation 1: The Minor Use Foundation: building global partnerships and leveraging crop protection technologies for the cultivation and supply of specialty crops 

Speaker: Dr. Adriana Castañeda Consultant Minor Use Foundation 

Abstract: The Minor Use Foundation, a non profit organization was created in 2019 as a result of the STDF projects implemented in Asia, Africa and Latin America, aimed to increase capacity in pesticide residues in the region. The foundation started working with governments and researchers on chemical pesticides data generation, but has migrated towards working with biological solutions as well. Some of the current projects will be shown during this session. 

Presentation 2: Global Cooperation in the Authorization of Biopesticides 

Speaker: Dr. Imme Gerke, Government and Industry Advisor, Canada 

Abstract: The differences in the use of crop protection products have created massive trade barriers that we can only overcome jointly. Therefore, between 2000-2017. the chemical industry has cooperated with regulators on 5 continents to jointly approve 55 chemicals. The same path is available to the approval of biologicals. Farmers, processors and traders cooperate in product selection. Regulators cooperate in data review, risk assessments and product approvals (OECD). What is missing is the biopesticide industry that develops, manufactures and sells biopesticides. I want to encourage you in seeking product approvals through Joint Reviews

Related:

All the recordings, presentations, and presenters' notes from the previous meetings are available here:  https://www.apaari.org/asia-pacific-biopesticide-community-of-practice-abcop/

3rd NARES-CGIAR Genetic Innovation Leadership Meeting

29 October 2024. 3rd NARES-CGIAR Genetic Innovation Leadership Meeting

The 3rd CGIAR Genetic Innovations – NARES leadership meeting builds on previous meetings held in 2022 and 2023 in Nairobi and Marrakesh respectively. Within Genetic Innovation and beyond, CGIAR is undergoing a transition to have greater impact in collaboration with national partners.

This annual forum provided a platform for senior leadership from CGIAR, NARES (National

Agricultural Research and Extension Systems), SRO (sub regional organizations) and Universities in Africa to meet, exchange views and take stock of the current state of crop improvement partnerships. Progress against previous commitments were tracked and critical areas of improvement to further strengthen partnerships and collaboration are identified.

This event was hosted by the CGIAR Genetic Innovation Science Group. Participants include National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) leaders, CGIAR Genetic Innovation leaders, regional organizations, CGIAR breeding program leaders. A range of CGIAR Centers also partipate, and Genetic Innovation Research Initiatives are involved, including: Accelerated Breeding,

Breeding Resources, Genebanks, Market Intelligence, Seed Equal.

GFAiR’s Executive Secretary Hildegard Lignau, attended the CGIAR-NARES-leadership meeting and spoke about GFAiR and GFAiR's Global NARS Consortium (GNC) initiative.

BMBF presentation:

Slide 1: CROP INVESTMENTS SHOULD PRIORITIZE MARKET-DEMANDED, CLIMATE RESILIENT VARIETIES AND DEMONSTRATE PROGRESS ALONG THE IMPACT PATHWAY WITH DATA

1. Crop Improvement Impact Pathway

• Improving Breeding Population: Genetic Gain
• On-farm testing & validation of pipeline: On-farm performance data and replacement cases for release
• Production and distribution of varieties: Certified or breeder seed production
• Adoption at scale in target geographies: WANA farmer adoption surveys
• Increased yield impacts: Nutritional productivity statistics

2. The further along the impact pathway, the more persuasive the data is for investment impact.

3. Comparative advantage along impact pathway: Activities become local.

4. Topline Argument for the BMGF CGIAR investment portfolio is not the CG research agenda. It is the dissemination, reach, and leverage of the partnership network.

Slide 2: BMGF STRONGLY SUPPORTS NARES-CG BREEDING NETWORKS

1. From the scientific perspective: Shared population development with a broad regional testing footprint is the fastest path to climate resilient varieties.
2. From an impact perspective: Demand is local. Release is local. Adoption is local. Regional collaborative breeding is an accelerator that must serve national needs to demonstrate impact.
3. From a long-term, strategic perspective: Complementary benefits for the future.

• NARES – shape regional MTS, TPPA, and advancement of germplasm to benefit national releases and breeding programs. Accelerate modernization of national breeding programs.
• CGIAR – tune regional breeding efforts for bigger impact, evolve the CGIAR’s role toward a future of strong African national systems.

Slide 3: WE SUPPORT NARES-CG BREEDING NETWORKS AS THE UNIT OF WORK, MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE, AND COSTING

1. Are organized around regional market segments that are shaped bottom-up by local demand and impact potential identified by NARES and SMEs.
2.  Clear roles and decision rights for all network partners, CGIAR, NARES, SMEs, according to comparative advantage and capacity.
3. Transparent costing of networks, with each partner receiving appropriate budget according to role and contribution.
4. We strongly support allocation of a proportion of MF funds to NARES partners: As partners in success who should be determined by their mandate.
5. Ability to pivot and reallocate operations and enhance network impact as we learn.
6. Joint accountability on variety releases, with shared accountability across and support for breeding, scaling, licensing, and local backstopping.
7. Joint reporting on progress with metrics and indicators for both breeding and partnership.

Aide-Memoires

• PDF scan 2022 Aide Memoire
• PDF scan 2023 Aide Memoire

Resources: 

• NARES–CGIAR Genetic Innovation: Strengthening and Coordinating Engagement – Nairobi edition, 2022
• NARES-CGIAR Leadership Meeting: Genetic Innovation – Marrakesh edition, 2023
• As CGIAR-NARES networks deliver improved crops, new plans are set to accelerate progress

Related

4 - 8 November 2024. Dubai. The CGIAR Independent Science for Development Council ISDC meeting will finalize the review of CGIAR Portfolio 25. This meeting will conclude the ISDC-moderated review engaging 39 external Subject Matter Experts who will assess the 13 Portfolio 25 proposals throughout October. 

Agricultural biotechnologies to meet the needs of smallholders in developing countries

Ruane, J. (ed.); Mba, C. (ed.); Boettcher, P. (ed.); Koskela, J. (ed.); Mair, G. (ed.); Ramasamy, S. (ed.) (2023) Case studies of the use of agricultural biotechnologies to meet the needs of smallholders in developing countries #188 p.

There are a wide range of biotechnologies available and many of them have been, and are currently being, used in many situations and sectors worldwide to solve the myriad problems that farmers are facing. Documentation of the application of agricultural biotechnologies for smallholders is an important part of FAO’s role in facilitating knowledge sharing regarding agricultural biotechnologies. 

This document synthesizes a unique series of 15 case studies where agricultural biotechnologies were used to serve the needs of smallholders in developing countries. The introduction chapter provides an overall background and objectives of the compilation of case studies. 

The case studies cover different regions, production systems, species and underlying socioeconomic conditions in the crop, livestock and aquaculture/fisheries sectors. 

The biotechnologies covered include some that are considered quite traditional, such as artificial insemination, as well as other more modern ones, such as the use of DNA-based diagnostics. The case studies were prepared by scientists and researchers who were directly involved in the initiatives, and the authors aimed to provide the background, achievements, obstacles, challenges and lessons learned from each case study. The final chapter of the document provides a summary overview of the challenges, results and lessons learned from the 15 case studies.

This publication will certainly be helpful to clarify many of the benefits of biotechnology in many sectors of agriculture. Biotech offers a lot of affordable tools, especially for diagnostics and rapid plant multiplication with tissue culture. Orchid propagation in Philippines is done at home but with simple biotech tools. Covid rapid RNA testing was a good lesson in the use of low-cost rapid tests. Banana tissue culture in West Africa is another good example of rapid disease-free propagation, although due to the artificial growth media, it is usually not accepted in organic agriculture..

 

It is positive that most of the cases are focused on non-GMO aspects of biotechnology. It is unfortunate that genetically modified organism technology is often confused with other more useful biotechnologies such that “biotechnologies” overall are villainized.

Is Biofortification delivering on its promise to improve lives with nutrient-enriched crops?

20 June 2023. This year marks 20 years since the establishment of HarvestPlus and the introduction of biofortification—a revolutionary technique that enhances the nutritional value of crops through selective breeding.

In light of this milestone, GFAR hosted the 6th GFAR Talks session that revolved around the thought-provoking question: "Is Biofortification delivering on its promise to improve lives with nutrient-enriched crops?" This GFAR Talk shed light on the progress and impact and limitations of biofortification, offering insights into its potential to transform lives through the cultivation of nutrient-enriched crops.

• Lynn Brown - Lynn currently serves as the Director of Policy, Strategy, and the Africa region at HarvestPlus, hosted by IFPRI. She is also a member of the CGIAR consortium 
• Dr. Jeremy Cherfas - Dr. Cherfas is a distinguished science writer and podcaster dedicated to exploring topics related to food, nutrition, agriculture, and development. While previously serving as a Communications Officer at Bioversity International, Dr. Cherfas continues to actively contribute to the field from his base in Rome.

Resource.

HarvestPlus, WFP (2022) Biofortification: A Food Systems Approach to Ensuring Healthy Diets  Globally # 19 p.

• HarvestPlus and the World Food Programme (WFP) have released a joint brief that highlights the significant role for nutrient enriched biofortified crops in improving global nutrition and food security.
• The brief provides basic information about biofortification and how it plays a central role in global efforts by the CGIAR (of which HarvestPlus is a part) to improve the nutrition and health of vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. 
• It highlights the robust evidence based on the agricultural benefits of biofortified crops, their acceptance by farmers and consumers, and the crops’ nutritional and health benefits. Drawing on this evidence, the brief shows how “nutrient enriched crops can help sustainably transform food systems to deliver healthier diets.”  

EU court exempts gene modification technique from stricter rules

7 February 2023. The EU’s highest court has concluded that organisms obtained by in-vitro random mutagenesis, a genetic modification technique, are excluded from the bloc’s rules governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a move welcomed by industry players but lambasted by green groups.

The European Court of Justice ruling, published on Tuesday (7 February), closes a 2015 case brought by the French small farmers’ association Confédération Paysanne, together with eight other green campaign groups, who called for clarification over the status of certain methods of mutagenesis under the EU’s 2001 GMO directive.

The directive includes an exemption whereby certain genetic modification techniques fall outside its very strict scope.

The reach of this directive was up for debate until another EU court judgement in 2018, which placed on an equal footing traditional GMOs and gene editing – a targeted modification achieved via a genetic technique called CRISPR/Cas9.

The ruling comes at a critical juncture in the EU, just ahead of a crucial proposal from the European Commission on whether to loosen EU rules on new genetic techniques (NGTs), expected in early June 2023.

"The ruling on in-vitro random mutagenesis – which it points out is less targeted and more risk-prone than gene-editing – should pave the way for Europe to unlock the opportunities of the bio-revolution in plant- and soil sciences”. Agrochemical giant Bayer, 

Likewise, the EU farmers’ association welcomed the ruling, stressing that farmers need to “access the benefits of innovation to be more sustainable and achieve the ambition as set out in the European Green Deal”.

“Plant breeders should be able to consider certain mutagenesis techniques in their breeding programs, reducing by some 10 years the time to market”.

AUDA-NEPAD Genome Editing Engagement meetings Kenya and Nigeria

31 October – 3 November 2022. Genome Editing Dialogue Kenya

AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation with co-host, the Ministry of Education, State Department for University Education and Research, Republic of Kenya

The goals of the meeting were to contribute to:

• Examine and explore factors and trends to galvanise and build a critical mass of Africa’s own science and policy capabilities in adapting and applying the science of genome editing in agriculture and food systems
• Building of community of champions in advocating and driving local adaptation and application of genome editing
• Bring out more context specific incentives (and disincentives) for expanded and accelerated safe application of genome editing to advance agriculture and food productivity, adaptation to climate change and support to expanded and nutritious food basket.

Related:

17-19 October 2022. three-day genome editing (GE) intervention meeting organised by the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (CoE STI) with support from the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in Abuja.

Related:

13 October 2022. Genome Editing Technology in Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems Value Chains in Africa

Genome editing is among the most promising and innovative technologies to help optimise and sustain agricultural breeding towards enhancing African value chains and food systems to accelerate industrialisation on the Continent. The side event brings together policy makers, researchers, practitioners, businesses and partners to show-case and share insights on genome editing innovations by selected leading African scientists. 

The conversation was part of the efforts to support the expanded uptake of genome editing science to accelerate breeding and adaptation programmes in Africa’s agriculture and food systems. At the core of this conversation is the imperative and urgent need to leapfrog and optimise Africa’s agriculture and food systems performance along the CAADP-Malabo targets. 

This side event explored how to harness the genome editing technology in the African context for increased productivity, resilience, and adaptation to climate change as well as issues diets, mechanization, storage and food safety.

New rice variety with cloned TT3 from African rice to Asian rice.

 20 June 2022. China scientists find a grain of hope in climate change rice research

Tweaking a pair of genes in rice could significantly improve the crop’s heat stress tolerance and increase yield under higher temperatures, according to a new study by Chinese scientists.

The discovery could help secure food supply, with crops vulnerable to rising temperatures and extreme weather events under climate change, the researchers said, in a paper published on Thursday in the journal Science.

The study identified the interaction between two genes in rice cells, which the scientists found can enhance the heat tolerance of rice and increase its productivity by 20 per cent in a heatwave. The same genes can be cloned in other major crops, such as maize and wheat, to improve their heat tolerance, they said.

Related:

21 June 2022. GMOs in Sub-Saharan Africa – What you need to know

Several African countries have adopted Genetically Modified (GM) crop farming and the number is expected to grow in the future.

But just how much are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) expected to shape the future of Sub-Saharan Africa’s agriculture? Joseph Maina explains.

Genome editing: New breeding tool with potential to sustain agriculture in Africa

1 June 2022. Climate change affects the environment extensively in socioeconomic and related sectors, including agriculture and food and nutritional security for the growing global population. 

To address this urgent need, Africa needs to adopt sustainable intensification of agriculture to close the yield gap in staple crops, where tools, including biotechnology and traditional approaches, are recommended for crop improvement.

The recent study titled “Genome Editing for Sustainable Agriculture in Africa” published in the journal Frontiers in Genome Editing revealed the need and efficiency of exploring genome editing as an addition to conventional technologies for developing improved crop varieties.

The study noted that CRISPR-based genome editing has rapidly become the most prevalent genetic engineering approach for developing improved crop varieties because of its simplicity, efficiency, specificity, and ease of use. Genome editing technologies allow targeted manipulation of the plant genomes, accelerating breeding efforts to develop improved crop varieties. It can also reduce inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, increase yields, improve nutrition, and develop climate-resilient crops.

The study, led by Leena Tripathi, Research Director at the IITA, with her team, Valentine Ntui, Easter Syombua, Samwel Muiruri, and Jaindra N. Tripathi, in collaboration with Kanwarpal Dhugga and Zhengyu Wen from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico and Steven Runo from the Kenyatta University, Kenya, explores the recent advances and progress in the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing efforts with major staple food crops grown in several countries in Africa.

The researchers in Africa use genome editing tools to improve African staple crops for biotic and abiotic stress resistance and improved nutritional quality. The crops under development include disease-resistant banana, maize resistant to lethal necrosis, and sorghum resistant to the parasitic plant Striga and enhanced quality for African farmers. 

Forum for the future of agriculture: solution events

The annual conference of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture takes place every spring in Brussels and most recently online. The purpose of the Forum is to stimulate open discussions on the future of European and world agriculture and assess what should and what can be achieved over time, attaching equal weight to two challenges: food security and environmental security. The Brussels event is accompanied every year by regional conferences across Europe.

Below are the solution events which were held after the main conference: see blogpost 14/03 Annual Conference Forum for the future of Agriculture

21/03 Resource-oriented solutions for industrial wastewater treatment

Water2REturn is an Innovation Action co-funded by the European Commission under its Horizon 2020 (H2020) programme. It is coordinated by BIOAZUL company (Malaga, Spain) and is focused on the recovery and recycling of nutrients from slaughterhouse wastewater in the framework of a Circular Economy model. Nutrients recovered are turned into value added products for the agro-chemical industry and, consequently, for the agricultural sector.

The Water2REturn Final Conference allowed a comprehensive presentation of project results.

• Introduction to Water2REturn project – Pilar Zapata, Bioazul S.L.
• Nutrients recovery and agronomic products manufacturing – David Haigh, Kimitec Biogroup S.L.
• Environmental assessments – Gulgun Acar, 2B Srl.
• Impact of an initiative like Water2REturn for the agricultural sector – Daniel Monteleone, ELO
• Other nutrients recovery initiatives: FERTIMANURE project - Laia Llenas Argelaguet

21/03 Reducing methane emissions in the agricultural sector

This Solutions Workshop, hosted by Cargill addressed the challenges around methane reduction in livestock farming, and more specifically methane emissions coming from the digestion of ruminants, the current state of affairs and available solutions, the actors, the barriers and trade-offs. The Workshop brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss how across the value chain the rights conditions can be created for impactful methane reduction approaches at farm, policy, consumer and business levels.

• Mark Titterington, Senior Adviser, Strategy & Partnerships, Forum for the Future of Agriculture
• Lieve Beyen, Regional Managing Director Europe, Middle East, Africa for Cargill Animal Nutrition
• Asger Christensen, Member of the European Parliament, Renew Europe/Denmark
• Margrethe Jonkman, Global Director Research & Development, Royal Friesland Campina
• Joris Relaes, Administrator-General, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO)

22/03 Raising animal welfare and ethics in EU egg production – the example of ending chick culling

The EU Commission is currently consulting on the EU animal welfare legislation and has included amongst other elements the option to prohibit the culling of male chicks in egg production. Furthermore, Germany and France have adopted national legislation, which limits this practice. This solutions workshop focused on the ethics side of a potential EU ban on chick culling in egg production; while analysing the potential of the implementation of cost-free solutions for hatcheries, lowering the threshold for uptake of innovation in the chain.

• Carmen Uphoff, Head of Public Affairs & Business Development and member of the managing board, respeggt group
• Frank Meuser, NGO Tierschutzbund (“German Animal Welfare Federation”)
• Annika Lange, NGO Tierschutzbund (“German Animal Welfare Federation”)
• Wouter Bruins, Founder of In Ovo

22/03 Unleashing the potential of innovation

From biologicals and digital solutions to new genomic techniques, innovation offers great potential to improve sustainable food systems. This panel explored how innovation can help support the introduction of a new paradigm for sustainable agriculture. The session explained how biologicals; insect sensors; and new genomic techniques (NGTs) can enhance biodiversity and support sustainability.

Introduction from moderator - Femi Oke - Journalist

Why do we need innovation in a sustainable food system?

• Robert Renwick - Head of Business Sustainability EAME, Syngenta Crop Protection.
• Ana Carricondo, Birdlife Spain - Coordinator of Conservation Programs in SEO BirdLife
• Pedro Gallardo, Asaja - President ASAJA Cádiz / Vice-president of COPA (COPA-COGECA)

Biopesticides - an example of innovation supporting sustainability

• Camilla Corsi - Head Crop Protection Research, Syngenta
• Giuseppe Natale - Chief Executive Officer at Valagro SpA

How can innovation support and encourage biodiversity?

• Vasileios Vasileiadis - Sustainable & Responsible Business Manager EAME, Biodiversity & Agronomy, Syngenta
  He briefly presented  iNaturalist app. this is one of the world's most popular nature apps. iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over 400,000 scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What's more, by recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. iNaturalist is a joint initiative by the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.
• Eva Haensel - Sustainable Portfolio Development Head Crop Protection Development for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Syngenta
• Kiran Joseph - Digital Sustainability Product Manager, Syngenta

How can New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) support sustainability?

• Sarah Iveson - Head of Field Crops Seeds Development for Syngenta Seeds
• Charlie Baxter - Head of Traits, Regulatory and Product Safety, Syngenta Seeds

24/03 The true cost of food – from shifting markets to informing policy

True Cost Accounting (TCA) is a tool that can reveal the externalities related to food production and consumption, and serve as a basis to internalize these impacts (both positive and negative), and foster the most sustainable behaviours and practices. The “hidden costs” of global food systems are estimated to be US$19.8 trillion annually with $12 trillion from health costs. These costs stem from diet-related chronic diseases, impacts of climate change, and unfair wages. Often, these costs are borne by the least advantaged segments of society (e.g., smallholder farmers, youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, marginalized communities). By applying the right incentives, these costs can be mitigated to ensure that food systems create real value for society. This session discussed how food system approaches, particularly True Cost Accounting, can provide holistic assessments of the negative externalities and positive benefits of different interventions, thus elucidating evidence that leads to the improvement of food system strategies and policies.

• Tanja Ploetz, WWF-Germany, moderation
• Eberhard Brandes, CEO WWF-Germany - Why is it important to draw a clear picture of the externalities in the food system?
• Amelie Michalke, Research Assistant, Sustainability Science and Applied Geography, University of Greifswald, Germany - How much is the dish? A research project
• Alexander Müller, Managing Director, TMG – Think Tank for Sustainability -  True Cost Accounting and Dietary Patterns: The Opportunity for Coherent Food System Policy
• Susanne Breuer, Officer for Latin America / Energy and Food, MISEREOR -  Social aspects of TCA from a global south perspective

Panel discussion

• Martine van Weelden, Senior Manager, Capitals Coalition
• Salman Hussain, Head, The Economics of Nature Unit, UNEP
• Robert Konrad, Adviser for Natural Capital, DG Environment, European Commission, DG Environment, European Commission

24/03 Developing and scaling regenerative agriculture

Over the past twelve months, the Forum has focused much of its annual program on regenerative agriculture. This reflects the emerging interest in regenerative agriculture as a potential approach to a more sustainable food and farming system in Europe and beyond. The EU policy agenda has also begun to address this whilst many global companies and organisations have started to make commitments to source from growers who adopt regenerative agriculture practices.

• Fabio Brusa Senior European Affairs Manager, Nestlé Europe 
• Herbert Dorfmann Member of the European Parliament 
• Alexandre Nepomuceno General Head of the National Soybean Research Center at Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) 
• Emmanuel Petel Policy Coordinator, European Commission, DG AGRI 
• Galina Peycheva-Miteva Bulgarian farmer, landowner and activist 
• Shari Rogge-Fidler President and CEO, Farm Foundation 
• Marc Rosiers Director at MR F&A Consult 
• Mark Titterington Senior Adviser, Strategy & Partnerships, FFA - moderator

24/03 Improving water resiliency through nature-based solutions and regenerative agriculture

This event explored case studies from the private sector on using nature-based solutions and regenerative agriculture to improve water resiliency in their operations and value chain footprints. On average, agriculture accounts for 70 percent of global freshwater withdrawals (FAO, 2017) and agricultural production also impacts the quality of freshwater supplies. That’s why private sector actors who influence agriculture have the power to improve the resiliency of water supplies.

• Truke Smoor, Global Sustainability Director, Water, Cargill
• Muriel Jaujou, Water Cycle & Sustainability Director, Danone
• Emmanuel Rurema, Executive Director, Upper-Tana Nairobi Water Fund
• Saswati Bora, Director of Regenerative Food Systems, The Nature Conservancy
• Noor Yafai (Moderator), Global Policy & Institutional Partnerships Director, Europe

28/03 Converging views towards a sustainable EU food system

With the new legislative framework for sustainable food systems already on the horizon, the European Union will need to address a dual challenge: on the one hand, bring together the many divergent views and create a long-term vision for the EU food system; on the other, truly break new ground with this legislation, so that it creates a policy environment that can enable the desired transition to sustainability.

• Jabier Ruiz - Moderator, Senior Policy Officer, Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems, European Policy Office of WWF 
• Laurent Bontoux Senior Foresight for Policy Expert at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre - Presentation of the JRC report:
  
  Bock, A., Bontoux, L. and Rudkin, J., Concepts for a sustainable EU food system, # 88 p.
  Food systems, worldwide and in the EU, need urgent and significant transformation to become sustainable. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy, a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, takes a food system perspective and sets out actions to move towards a ‘fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system’. 
  
  
• Jessica Duncan Associate Professor in the Politics of Sustainable Food Systems, Wageningen University - Food governance and participation in policy making 
• Petra Laux Head Business Sustainability, Syngenta Crop Protection 
• Silvia Schmidt Policy Associate Manager, IFOAM Organics Europe

28/03 Global biodiversity targets: which role for agriculture?

A post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is to be adopted when the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity takes place in May 2022. Building on the UN’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, the new framework will respond to the ongoing biodiversity decline and aims to transform society’s relationship with biodiversity and to achieve a shared vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.

Sustainability in agriculture features in the second action target, referencing conservation work and the sustainable use of biodiversity and increasing the productivity and resilience of these industries. We will not reach these global biodiversity goals without the active involvement of the food and agriculture sector. 

This event brought together agriculture and nature conservation experts to discuss the role of the sector in the fight against biodiversity decline.

• Alberto Arroyo Schnell - Head of Policy and Programme, IUCN
• Ms. Jihyun Lee - Director of Science, Society and Sustainable Futures Division of the CBD Secretariat - Keynote
• Janez Potočnik - Co-Chair Environment International Resource Panel
• Patricia Zurita - CEO BirdLife International
• Pekka Pesonen - Secretary General Copa and Cogeca - European farmers and European agri-cooperatives
• Apex Brasil
• Dr. Rodrigo Lima - Partner-Director of Agroicone, international lawyer specialized in Trade and Biodiversity
• Noor Yafai (Moderator) - Europe Director Global Policy and Institutional Partnerships, The Nature Conservancy

29/03 ForumforAg Final Wrap-up and Land and Soil Management Award Ceremony

Following the Annual Conference, Solutions and Policy events, this wrap-up event summarised and concluded all the ForumforAg activities during the month of March.

• Mark Titterington, Senior Adviser, Strategy & Partnerships, Forum for the Future of Agriculture - moderator
• Janez Potočnik, Chair ForumforAg and Chairman RISE Foundation - Summary of the Forum month of March
• Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture, European Commission - Special address
• Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, USDA
• Dr Marie Brueser, Entrepreneurship Leader, Thought For Food (TFF)
• Galina Peycheva-Miteva, Bulgarian farmer, landowner and activist
• Thierry de l'Escaille, Secretary General, European Landowners’ Organization
• Jon Parr, President of Syngenta Crop Protection and Member of the Global Leadership Team