Is Asia equipped to feed its growing population? By 2050, we expect up to 10 billion people to live on our planet (with more than half in Asia). This will require a 70 percent increase in today’s food production. At the same time, the agricultural sector is affected by climate change effects, limited availability of arable land and fresh water. How can the gap be closed? Some Asian countries, such as Japan, Singapore, and Australia, have made increased use of biotechnology, indoor farming, and other innovations in production, storage, and supply chain tracking technologies.

What are the major agricultural trends and opportunities in Asia? How do new policies affect food and supply chains in Asia and around the world? What are the post-pandemic realities and shifts? Are alternative cultivation methods, such as vertical farming, a sensible solution for Asian countries to feed their growing population?

For these and more questions, join our first online Mini-Conference featuring a keynote presentation by AgFoodTech’s Dr. Jaleh Daie, and three parallel breakout sessions with Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Sridhar Dharmapuri, AgFunder’s Michael Dean, and Beanstalk Agtech’s Rob Hulme. Choose your session and submit a question to the expert in charge. Participation is limited to guarantee lively discussions. Asia Society Members can join for free. Regular tickets cost CHF 9.99.

Program

08:00 – Opening remarks, and keynote presentation by Dr. Jaleh Daie
08:15 – Breakout sessions A, B, C (see details below)
08:50 – Wrap up in plenum
09:00 – End of Mini-Conference
 

Session A: How agriculture and food policies in Asia impact our food and supply chains

The agriculture sector has undergone major reforms in the past few decades. What are the main agriculture and food policy trends in Asia? Which Asian countries are at the forefront in developing new agriculture and food policies? How do these new policies affect food and supply chains in Asia and elsewhere? In this session you will be joined by FAO’s Sridhar Dharmapuri to answer these and any policy related questions you may have.

Session B: Where to invest in agriculture for more productivity and sustainability? [THIS SESSION IS CANCELLED]

From small-scale to large-scale – the agriculture sector is seeing major investments to modernize the sector through new technologies, skills and access to input and output markets. Where do the big development banks invest in agriculture in Asia? What options are there for agricultural investments in Asia that enhance productivity and sustainability? What about social impact investments for small-scale farmers in Asia? If you’re interested in agriculture investment trends, join the session with AgFunder’s Michael Dean.

Session C: From indoor agriculture, to biotechnology and food tracing

Innovation and the increased use of technology will be critical to increase agricultural production. Are alternative cultivation methods, such as vertical farming, new food processing and storage technologies, as well as biotechnology a reasonable option for Asian countries to feed their growing population? Are some Asian countries shifting to new supply chain tracing technologies as a reaction to the current coronavirus pandemic? Join the session with Beanstalk Agtech’s Rob Hulme to find out more about latest agriculture technologies and innovations.

In order to avoid no-shows, a CHF 20 no-show fee will be charged if you do not cancel your registration until 24 hours before the event the latest. Participation is limited.