The farming sector is currently undergoing radical disruptions that will continue reshaping the future of food. Digitalization, new technologies, government policies, and climate change are poised to disrupt traditional business models. What are the keys to surviving and thriving?

This practical session will showcase several examples of digital tools and disruptive technologies in Africa and Europe that are benefiting stakeholders across the food and agricultural value chain. Join us as we unpack investments in food and agricultural value chains.

TOPIC 4: I’ll LEAVE THAT TO MY ACCOUNTANT—IMPROVING THE PEFORMANCE OF NATURAL CAPITAL IN FARMING AND FOOD SYSTEMS

How can large and small ag sector stakeholders benefit from using data crunching to measure social and environmental variables in sustainable development? Panelists cover ESG methods, best practices, and share case studies.

TOPIC 5: THE ROLE OF GENETICS IN CREATING RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

As economies think about the changing landscape of food production in the future, genetics shows promise in helping the meat, dairy, and plant sectors mitigate the impact of climate change.

TOPIC 6: FARMERS ON THE FOREFRONT OF CARBON SMART AGRICULTURE 

The New Green Deal in the US and the European Green Deal have drawn attention to the increased urgency to address climate change as well as the substantial resistance by many industry groups. Food production is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and recent efforts have focused on drastically decreasing the negative environmental impacts of food production. In this session we will learn about FAO's approach to addressing climate change which focuses on maintaining yields, country-driven strategies, and protecting vulnerable populations.

TOPIC 7: THE FUTURE OF PROTEIN: IS THIS BEEF'S KODAK MOMENT?

The beef industry is having its Kodak moment. New technology, including plant-based and biosynthetic-produced “meat”, apparently offer alternatives that are more attractive to consumers, retailers, policymakers, and investors, threatening the economics of the $330 billion global market.

What comes next? To answer the question of what and who, we introduce a framework based on underlying forces and ask industry incumbents/leaders and fast-growing entrants to share their vision of the future.

TOPIC 8:  IS LATIN AMERICA THE NEXT AGTECH HOTSPOT? 

Latin America is expected to play a leading role in sustainable production of food in 2050. One way to do so is to attract and promote the development of start-ups linked to agriculture to create a vibrant AgTech sector. This “ecosystem strategy” could accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture as it has in St. Louis and Silicon Valley/Salinas in the US and Israel. What can we learn from these successful AgTech startup regions? Can such an ecosystem be built in Latin America? In this session we will talk with key actors from the St. Louis and Silicon Valley/Salinas ecosystems and some of the leading players in AgTech ecosystem development in Latin America.

TOPIC 9: EDUCATION & TALENT: THE VIEW FROM THE BOARD ROOM AND CLASSROOM 

Competition for top talent will intensify as the pressure to innovate and improve performance continues to grow and the talent pool shrinks. Industry leaders will discuss strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining the talent necessary to be successful. Visionary educators will present innovative approaches to preparing students who are competent, think strategically, and exhibit sound leadership.