Advocacy for a Green Transition in the Global Agri-Food Sector

A global panel urges an innovation-driven green transition in the agri-food sector to address climate change and carbon emissions. They emphasize the need for technological advancements and reforms in farming practices. Encapsulated discussions at the 2024 World Agri-Food Innovation Conference reflect cooperation in achieving sustainability, with focus on China’s role in enhancing food security.

A global panel of agricultural experts has advocated for an innovation-driven green transition in the agri-food system to mitigate carbon emissions and address climate change’s negative effects on food production. This call to action came during the 2024 World Agri-Food Innovation Conference held in Beijing, organized by China Agricultural University. Sun Qixin, the president of China Agricultural University, highlighted that projections indicate a 6 to 8 percent decline in food production for each degree Celsius of global temperature rise unless technological advancements are employed to counteract these adverse effects. He underscored the uneven impact of climate change on food production worldwide, emphasizing that while some regions have seen temporary benefits from warmer weather, the overall unpredictability and extreme weather events pose severe risks to agriculture. To facilitate a green transition that minimizes agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, significant investment in research and technological innovation is imperative. “We must proceed in this direction despite the challenges,” stated Sun Qixin. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the agri-food sector is responsible for approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, covering the entire food production cycle. Fu Wenge, a professor at China Agricultural University, noted that transformational innovations do not necessarily require groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Instead, modest and economical changes in management practices can yield significant results. He pointed to the university’s Science and Technology Backyard project, which pairs students with smallholder farmers in rural areas, promoting high-yield crop varieties and sustainable farming techniques. Ismahane Elouafi, the executive managing director of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), stated that the green transition necessitates wide-ranging innovations, including collaboration among countries. “The impact of climate change is multiplying every day, and the only way forward for us is to adopt innovation in its broad sense to really transform the agriculture system,” she commented. The call for heightened awareness of increasing food production while minimizing carbon footprints was reiterated by Patrick Caron, vice-chair of the CGIAR system board, who emphasized the necessity of reexamining food production practices to better protect the environment. China’s ambitious goal of enhancing its annual food production capacity to approximately 700 million metric tons by 2030 was highlighted as a source of optimism amidst rising global food insecurity. Elouafi praised China for its effective productivity enhancements and efforts to reduce poverty and hunger, noting the essential role of technology in its achievements. On World Food Day, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated China’s commitment to global food security, stating, “China has provided more funding and experts and undertaken more projects than any other developing country under the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s South-South Cooperation Programme.” She affirmed China’s willingness to strengthen international cooperation to achieve a hunger-free world.

The article discusses the urgent need for a transformation in the global agri-food sector driven by innovative solutions to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. As agricultural experts gather at international conferences, there is a consensus on the challenges posed by rising global temperatures that threaten food production systems worldwide. Key opinions from leaders in academia and research emphasize the need for both technological advancements and practical management reforms to secure future food production while minimizing environmental impacts. This dialogue is crucial in the context of increasing global food insecurity and China’s proactive role in addressing these challenges.

In summary, the global panel of agricultural experts highlights the critical importance of an innovation-centered green transition to ensure sustainable practices in the agri-food sector. The call for investment in research and technology, alongside practical management reforms, is essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change on food production. China’s ambitious food production goals and commitment to improving global food security demonstrate a proactive approach amidst global challenges. Collaboration at various levels is vital to realizing these goals and fostering a sustainable future for the agri-food system.

Original Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn