Independent Dialogue
Geographical focus:
China, Germany, No borders
Discussion topic outcome
Topic 1: Food system transformation Dr. Fan Shenggen, Chair Professor of College of Economics and Management, China Agricultural University, Mr. Daniel Vennard, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta Group, and Dr. Xu Yinlong, Professor of Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, CAAS, delivered keynote speeches at the Session of Food System Transformation. Mr. Jiang Yekui, Chief Sustainability Officer of Syngenta Group China moderated the session. Mr. Matteo Marchisio, IFAD China Representative, Mr. Wang Quanhui, Director of International Cooperation Department of
... Read moreAgricultural Ecology and Resource Protection General Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Mr. Fatih Ermis, Director of Agricultural Service Department, Nestle China contributed in the Panel discussion. Generally, the participants agreed that China has started transforming and upgrading its food and agriculture sector, and have had great achievements. These mainly include: 1) Stable food supply for all residents. Having the 9% of the world’s arable land and 6.4% of the world’s freshwater resources to feed 20% of the world’s population. China’s annual grain production is above 650 million tons for 6 consecutive years. The supply of main agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs and milk is sufficient, which contributes a lot to fight against the epidemic of COVID-19 since last year. 2) Poverty reduction. All the targets of poverty elimination in China have been accomplished. Specifically, 832 impoverished counties and 98.99 million rural poor populations have been lifted out of poverty. In July 1st this year, President Xi Jinping solemnly declared that China had built a well-off society in an all-round way and solved the problem of absolute poverty historically. China achieved the poverty alleviation goal of the United Nations 2030 agenda of sustainable development. 3) Pollution has been controlled and the ecological environment has been significantly improved. 4) Emergency response capabilities have been improved, for example, the response mechanism and measures for the COVID-19. 5) The level of opening up to the world continues to increase, for example, the Belt and Road Initiative. However, more actions need to be considered for implementation to address the potential challenges for the food systems. First, the government should consider establishing a new leadership group to coordinate policies and investments in the food system at the national and local levels. Second, the productivity of the entire food system need to be improved through more innovative science and technology which further requires more public and private investment and cooperation. Third, increase investment in restoring natural resources (such as land and water), in sustainable use of agriculture and food infrastructure (such as irrigation, transportation, etc.), and in reducing costs related to transportation, marketing, and food consumption. Fourth, promote institutional reforms to promote land improvement, help small farms upgrade or exit, expand machinery customization services, and develop more effective farmer cooperatives. Fifth, establish a modern agricultural product circulation system, "from farm to table", improve inclusiveness, efficiency, nutrition and food safety. Sixth, promote the transformation and sustainable development of the green food system, balance agricultural growth goals and sustainable development. Seventh, improve the social safety nets. Last, strengthen international cooperation to improve food security in China and the world. Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy