2023 World Agrifood Innovation Conference

A recording of these remarks can be found on YouTube and Tencent.

Today, I would like to emphasise the critical role of innovation and technology in the evolution of agrifood systems. With a still-growing global population, dwindling resources, and expanding environmental concerns due to climate change, technology can help to transform how we produce, process, and distribute food. This can serve as a crucial component in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Technology has enormous potential for increasing agricultural productivity. Precision agriculture, for example, monitors crops, soil conditions, and weather patterns using sensors, drones, and satellite imagery. This data-driven method allows farmers to make more educated decisions about irrigation, fertilisation, and pest management, resulting in better resource utilisation and higher yields. We can ensure sustainable food production while minimising environmental impacts by utilising technology in this manner.

In improving the traceability and transparency of the agrifood supply chain. For example, technologies such as blockchain can enable the safe and immutable recording of every transaction along the supply chain. This allows consumers to confirm their food's origin, quality, and safety. 

Technologies such as Internet of Things sensors and smart packaging can monitor and send important information about food products' temperature, freshness, and integrity, maintaining their quality throughout distribution.

Technology can increase knowledge sharing in the agrifood business, allowing farmers to access vital information such as weather forecasts, market prices, and best agricultural practices via the internet and mobile applications. This enables farmers, particularly small-scale farmers, to make educated decisions, implement efficient procedures, and connect with new markets, increasing their overall production and income.

Perhaps most encouragingly, technology can enable the development of unique and sustainable food production methods. Vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics combine controlled settings, efficient water use, and little space to produce high-quality crops in urban settings. These solutions not only save space, but they also minimise pesticide use, preserve water, and may be used all year. Furthermore, the use of gene editing tools has the potential to improve crop resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stress, ensuring food security in the face of a changing climate.

Here, the Government of China’s emphasis on technology and innovation is proving to be critical in increasing productivity and sustainability. The use of sophisticated agricultural techniques, such as precision agriculture, has enhanced yields while decreasing resource usage. 

Furthermore, China has adopted digital platforms and e-commerce solutions, supporting effective supply chain management and ensuring timely delivery of fresh goods. These technologies assist us in optimising resource allocation, reducing environmental impacts, and reaching consumers more efficiently.

The reform of China's agrifood system recognizes the necessity of inclusive development. China has aggressively developed rural areas, improved living circumstances, and achieved poverty reduction outcomes, while rural revitalization policies offer to put more emphasis on reducing inequalities as well as the modernization of the agricultural sector.

With a fifth of the world's population but only 9% of the world's arable land, this is a must. However, in the future, promoting sustainable agricultural practices must be an even higher priority if we are to get the SDGs back on track.

There is good reason to have confidence in China’s path forward. 

I have seen firsthand how the convergence of big data, technology and innovation has transformed Kubuqi, China’s seventh-largest desert, into an agricultural oasis. 

Kubuqi is a fabulous example of not only combating desertification but transforming the desert into wealth for the local inhabitants as well as a haven for renewable energy. 

Such transformation can be a model for agrifood in the years ahead.

It is clear that technology is an essential instrument in altering our agrifood system to address future difficulties.

So let us renew our efforts to embrace these technologies and innovations to construct a more efficient, transparent, and resilient agrifood system that delivers food security, minimises environmental impacts, meets the needs of the global population and helps us to achieve the SDGs.

Thank you very much.