How to better cope with change: New approaches for food system resilience to pandemic and climatic shocks
German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA) & Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO)
Time: Friday, 22. January 2021, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (CET), subsequent deep dive 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Languages: English, German
Summary:
Crises and weather extremes such as heavy rains and droughts contribute to amplifying “production shocks.” To respond to this situation, agronomic innovations, including improved land management and biotechnologies, need to be disseminated, international trade in food promoted, and early warning systems for extreme weather events and risk management improved through digital data discovery and index insurance, emphasized Dr. Daniel Müller, IAMO.
Dr. Thomas Kirchberg, Südzucker AG, explained how the sugar value chain is an example of how an intensive exchange with farmers as well as science can already today ensure that efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly production can be achieved on farms through the use of resistant plant varieties, the use of weather and soil analysis, the development of appropriate water and pest management and the use of alternative energy concepts.
Dr. Michael Wironen, The Nature Conservancy, highlighted the potential of a regenerative food system and the importance of resilient soils – numerous projects have shown that improved soil quality has a decisive influence on production performance and nutrient-rich supplies.
All speakers agreed on one aspect: long-term food production can only be managed by looking at a holistic system and using innovative technologies.