Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization Closing Remarks

 

Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization

Closing Remarks

by

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

29 September 2023

 

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Colleagues,

 

As we come to the close of this historic Global Conference, I know that our time together does not end here.

 

Over these past three days, we have shared ideas and solutions that will help us shape the future of agriculture.

 

We have built an even stronger network – of more than 8,000 people - to drive sustainable agricultural mechanization, to drive innovation and to drive transformation.

 

We have agreed and committed to working together to contribute to building a better world, for generations to come.

 

Starting with the transformation of global agrifood systems.

 

Through the use of equipment and technologies, we are already transforming how we produce, harvest, store, process and distribute our food.

 

But we need to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in agrifood systems.

And, in all our efforts, we must ensure that we do not leave anyone behind.

 

We need to make equipment and technologies more accessible, affordable, safe, and appropriate for all, especially smallholder farmers.

 

Throughout this conference, we spoke about the challenges and opportunities for sustainable agricultural mechanization.

 

We have agreed that we need to have:

• the right policies in place,
• the right support systems,
• access to spare parts, to financing, and to business models that promote inclusive participation of all partners.

 

But above all, we all agree that to realize the full potential of sustainable agricultural mechanization, we need to work together.

 

This conference is leaving an important legacy because it gave a voice to everyone: policymakers, farmer organizations, the scientific community, the private sector, civil society, opinion leaders and, most importantly, to the youth.

 

Through sustainable agricultural mechanization, we are changing how farming and agriculture is perceived – making this sector more attractive to the youth.

 

Youth are the future of agriculture.

 

For this reason, I recently created the FAO Office for Youth and Women – to advocate for inclusivity, prioritize their involvement and recognize their contributions to agriculture.

 

I would like to highlight four key points that we can take away from this milestone conference:

 

First, farmers.

 

Solutions must be prepared for farmers, with farmers and by farmers, because they are on the frontlines and are the first and most impacted by the climate crisis, plant pest and diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other threats.

 

Second, new and emerging technologies.

 

The private sector plays a key role in driving development, but it must be sustainable, economically viable, affordable and accessible to all.

 

Third, enabling policies.

 

We need policies underpinned by scientific advances and evidence-based decision-making.

 

And Fourth, strategic partnerships.

 

Together, we can mobilize knowledge, resources and innovations, and identify and develop evidence-based solutions.

 

In addition, the 15 forward-looking actions you have identified aim to drive real change, challenge how we work and advocate for further developing sustainable agriculture mechanization.

 

As we close this conference, let’s not lose the momentum, but build on it. 

 

Mechanization, digitalization and industrialization must continue to be at the core of our discussions, because they are the foundations for building a better future, where we produce more with less - for a more food secure future for all.

 

FAO will continue working with all of you to achieve the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.

 

Let’s work together to create a future where sustainable agricultural mechanization, digitalization and industrialization fully supports the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life – leaving no one behind!

 

Thank you.