IAIC 2020

Shaping the Future: Experts from 26 Nations Convene to Discuss Sustainable Agriculture in the Post-COVID-19 Era

The increasing impact of climate change, including global warming and crop production losses due to extreme weather events and natural disasters, has become a pressing concern. In addition, the year 2020 brought forth the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting global food trading and transportation between nations and highlighting the vulnerability of the global supply chain.

In order to tackle these challenges, it is essential to embrace agricultural technologies that optimize productivity while ensuring the quality and stability of agricultural products. The implementation of an innovative agribusiness model that shortens the distance to the market and enables consumers to access fresh produce at affordable prices is of paramount importance. Therefore, in the post-COVID-19 era, the development direction for all countries revolves around investing in sustainable agriculture, with technology and innovation acting as key drivers.

In response to these urgent issues, the International Association of Agricultural Sustainability (IAAS) joined forces with the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Maryland, U.S.A., to organize the 2020 International Agricultural Innovation Conference. This virtual event took place from November 6th to 9th, 2020, and brought together experts, professors, and scholars from 26 nations. The conference focused on sustainable agriculture, technological advancements, innovative practices, and investment strategies in agriculture. Participants presented their projects and shared invaluable insights from diverse perspectives, paving the way for the development of sustainable agriculture worldwide.

We are honored to have Dr. Simon Y. Liu, the Associate Administrator from USDA Agricultural Research Service to be the keynote speaker. He shed light on the application of Artificial Intelligence in innovative agriculture. Other distinguished speakers including Dr. Edwini Kessie, the Director of Agriculture and Commodities Division at the World Trade Center (WTO), provided insights into sustainable development goals (SDGs) policies set by the United Nations (UN). Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, the Executive Secretary of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), shared perspectives on advancing green growth in the vegetable sector of low-income countries, while Dr. Marco Wopereis, the Director-General of the World Vegetable Center, discussed the development of agriculture with a focus on sustainable practices.

In addition to the esteemed speakers mentioned earlier, we had the privilege of hosting other notable experts who shared their insights on agricultural development. Dr. Lao-Dar Juang, the Director of the Department of Planning at the Council of Agriculture Executive Yuan in Taiwan, provided valuable perspectives on the efforts and goals of the Taiwanese government in agricultural development.

Furthermore, Dr. Chung-Hsiu Hung, the Chairman of Mitagri Co., Ltd. in Taiwan, and Dr. Charles Huang, the Chairman of Circular Taiwan Network, shared their expertise and highlighted the contributions of industries and organizations in promoting agricultural innovation in Taiwan.

Beyond Taiwan, we were honored to have Ms. Montha Kaihirun, the Innovation Counsellor Manager from the National Innovation Agency in Thailand, share her insights on innovation in agriculture in Thailand. Additionally, Dr. Miranda Mirosa, an Associate Professor from the University of Otago in New Zealand, provided valuable perspectives on agricultural innovation in New Zealand.

During the day 3 program, we had the privilege of inviting renowned investment experts to share their valuable perspectives on the significance of agricultural investment and its potential contributions to economic growth. We were honored to have Ms. Low Wei Ling, the Chief Executive Officer of Vanda Global Capital from Singapore, Mr. Jeffrey Chi, the Founding Member and Vice-Chairman of Vicker Venture Partners, and Mr. Stephen Ho, an independent director of Azeus System, enlighten us on the role of investment in driving innovation and fostering economic resilience in the agricultural sector. Their expertise shed light on the importance of strategic investments, enabling countries to enhance their agricultural capabilities and propel sustainable development in the post-pandemic world.

The conference was enriched by the knowledge and experiences shared by a diverse range of speakers from various countries and sectors, offering unique perspectives on agricultural development and innovation. Their insights provided valuable perspectives on the future of agriculture, emphasizing the harnessing of Artificial Intelligence, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promotion of environmentally friendly approaches in the vegetable sector. By considering these aspects, the conference aimed to inspire innovative solutions and foster sustainable development in agriculture on a global scale.