|  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Recent advances in information and communication technology are leading to great improvements in food security and food safety in Asia and the Pacific.

A three-day exhibition, with live demonstrations, will take place on the sidelines of an E-Agriculture Solutions Forum of regional experts convened by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 

The exhibition and presentations range from low-cost access devices, such as smart phones, that can help even the poorest farmer stay on top of critical weather developments, to a QR code on a food item that lets shoppers monitor the safety of their food from farm to supermarket check-out. This food traceability system is being used by major retailers such as Tesco and Central. Thailand’s CP Foods and TRUE Corporation are also participating in the exhibition. Other exhibitors include Intel, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Progis, Sourcetrace Systems, Tene Agricultural Solutions and China Communication Services.

The latest in drone technology is also on display, with one developer demonstrating aerial devices that can map huge areas of agricultural land with GIS technology which, in turn, can help a policy maker, producers and exporters predict the quality and quantity of a harvest in advance. This literal ‘bird’s eye view’ can also monitor the effects of climate change on large areas of arable land.

More than 100 participants will take part in this event forum and exhibit, which is also open to the general public, at the TOT Academy, TOT Public Company Ltd., 174 Ngamwongwan Road, Nonthaburi beginning Monday 29 August at 9 am until 6 pm Wednesday 31 August.

Speakers at the forum (on the first day) will include Kundhavi Kadiresan, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Ioane Koroivuki, Regional Director of ITU’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and senior officials from the Royal Thai Government.

To arrange interviews, see gadgets in action, or for any further information, contact:

Allan Dow
FAO Communication Officer
02 697 4126 or 081 899 7354
[email protected]