Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization - Opening Remarks

 Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization

Opening Remarks

by

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

27 September 2023

 

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are making history!

 

These conferences at FAO are part of our bigger plan for building a dynamic FAO for a better world based on the four “Rs”: first phase was “reform” and “recovery”, and now we move to the second phase of “rebuilding” and “renaissance”.

 

This week is of critical importance as we bring the Four Betters to the center of our discussions with these two first ever Global Conferences on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, and on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization. Both need science and innovation, investment and political commitment.

 

We are here, together, to support our commitment to transform our agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable, and to shape a food secure world and better future for all.

 

So much is at stake at this particular moment. 

 

Hunger and acute food insecurity are on the rise, with millions more at risk. 828 million people are suffering from hunger. And more than 250 million people are facing acute levels of hunger in 58 countries and territories globally with many on the brink of starvation.

 

We need to ask ourselves why this is happening – this is a question that should come not only from our heads, but also from our hearts.

 

Around the world, over 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.

 

These are alarming numbers, and we must take steps to reverse these trends. We need actions to address these numbers and reduce the numbers, otherwise they remain only numbers!

 

The world population also continues to rise.  This means we will need to produce 50 percent more food by 2050 than we did ten years ago, to feed more people.

 

Less than thirty years is NOT a long time to go!

 

We need to produce more (more production, more diversities and higher quality) with less (inputs, negative impacts and communicable diseases)!

 

We need to plan better to ensure a better life for the billions of children that are still to come into this world – we need to ensure they have more than what we had in our childhood!

 

We need to start by changing ourselves, the impacts on our bodies and our impacts on the environment. We need to start by correcting our own mistakes as human beings.

 

We are also facing extraordinary challenges linked to diminished natural resources, degraded soils, water and environmental worsening, and the many other impacts of the climate crisis and social-economic disorders.

 

Changing rainfall patterns, intensifying droughts, and extreme weather are challenging farmers and the way they produce.

 

Business as usual just simply will not work!

 

We need to innovate and be well equipped – for this reason we need adequate investment to ensure appropriate equipment. We cannot depend on nature alone. And for this we need concrete action.

 

Mechanization and automation are powerful forces for change, but it must be sustainable and economically viable.

 

Around the world, sustainable agricultural mechanization is advancing at a rapid pace.

 

Machinery is not only machines with Artificial Intelligence (AI) equipped tools, but they are also much leaner and more precise. Business and financing models are more economically viable. New and better jobs are being created; and agrifood systems are more and more attractive.

 

Innovation being developed by - and for - farmers is what is re-designing and transforming the agricultural sector. Cutting-edge technologies, such as satellite systems, robotics, AI, and automated equipment are also shaping the future of farming and food systems.

 

Across the world:

• drones are monitoring and protecting crop health;
• robots are identifying and removing weeds, as well as pruning and picking fruit;
• automated tractors are planting, applying fertigation, harvesting and postharvest handling with remarkable precision and efficiency;
• sensors and satellites are providing data-driven insights for improved decision-making by farmers; and
• e-commence and infrastructure in the rural areas are developing to direct markets accessible to domestic and international markets – for a true “farm to fork” process.

 

Equipment is also becoming safer and more environmentally sound and driving us toward more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

 

If we harness innovation, including digitalization, we can unlock even greater potential across our agrifood systems.  

 

But as we look to the future, we need to make sure that all these advanced and emerging technologies leave no one behind – especially the farmers, in rural areas and small towns.

 

This means that we must work with and for smallholder farmers, as well as food providers, to ensure that these technologies and equipment are adaptable to their local contexts.

 

Equipment must be available, accessible and affordable, and it must not contribute to widening the digital divide.

 

We must also not neglect women and youth, who have the potential to revolutionize agrifood systems. Today, some tractors are being customized specifically for women operators – this is a step in the right direction.

 

If we close the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agrifood systems, we could increase global GDP by USD 1 trillion, and reduce the number of food insecure people by 45 million.

 

And, if we involve youth, we will see even greater results and revitalize the traditional villages.

 

Youth are our future and true innovators on the ground to drive ingenuity in agrifood systems through the development and application of innovative solutions. It is part of human nature for young people to want to move out of rural areas towards areas that will offer them more opportunities.

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

We need to continue working together to revolutionize agrifood systems to achieve food security for all and safeguard our planet.

 

This conference has convened a wide range of partners to ensure all voices are heard, including the private sector who are leading research, manufacturing and investment in this sector, especially in agricultural equipment.

 

FAO has four key objectives for convening this Conference:

• One: to increase awareness of the contribution of sustainable agricultural mechanization to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Two: to share information and knowledge on the strategic direction and technical developments in mechanization around the world;
• Three: to highlight FAO’s technical expertise and convening power to support our Members in leveraging sustainable agricultural mechanization as a pillar of their agrifood system transformation; and
• Four: to provide a professional platform to strengthen technical networks and dialogues on mechanization.

 

These objectives go beyond this conference. We need to also commit to three key steps over the next three days:

• First: we need to establish priorities for mobilizing and pooling of scientific, technical and financial resources to promote sustainable agricultural mechanization,
• Second: our discussions must lead to effective recommendations and action plans, and thereafter identify our key partners to support Members in implementation, to guide our work forward towards true sustainable agricultural mechanization, and
• Third: we must continue to convene technical fora to drive advancements in agricultural mechanization covering “from soil to stomach” through innovation and technologies.

 

We must push the boundaries of what is possible in agrifood systems!

 

FAO is committed to leverage the momentum generated by this conference and to transform our discussions into action, to shape a better future for food and agriculture through better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

 

Agriculture starts with Better Production!

 

Thank you.