Наука, технологии и инновации

Technology for transformation of agrifood systems

Technology for sustainable agrifood systems can be defined as the application of science and knowledge to develop techniques to deliver a product and/or service that enhances the sustainability of agrifood systems (Adapted from A/74/238. UN, 2019).

Technology is needed to transform agrifood systems, and with associated knowledge drives sustainable development. For success, deployment of technologies needs to be accompanied by enabling social, political and institutional factors. Investments in human capital through capacity building are also required. 

Types of technologies may include: 
a-biotechnologies
Biotechnologies. Based on the definition of “biotechnology” in Article 2 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the term “agricultural biotechnologies” encompasses a suite of technologies from low-tech ones such as artificial insemination, fermentation techniques, biofertilizers and nuclear techniques, to high-tech ones involving advanced DNA-based methodologies (including genetic modification, i.e. GM, genomic selection, whole genome sequencing and gene editing) and multi-omics technologies. They have wide-ranging uses and possibilities including, inter alia, crops adapted to biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritionally enhanced and longer lasting foods with reduced losses, reduction of allergens, foodborne disease detection, food safety surveillance, monitoring of genetic diversity and biodiversity, phytoremediation and improved soil health, efficient use of nutrients in feed by animals, rapid diagnosis of diseases and development of vaccines.
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Digital technologies
Digital technologies can deliver significant positive impacts, including increased agricultural production and productivity, helping adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, supporting early warning systems for plant and animal pests and diseases, improving animal welfare, bringing about more efficient use of natural resources, reducing risk and improving resilience of rural communities, integrating small-scale producers into markets and reaching consumers through e-commerce and increasing efficiency in the design and delivery of agricultural and environmental policies.
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c-renewable-energy-technologies

Renewable energy technologies use wind, ocean, solar, hydrological, geothermal and bioenergy sources to generate energy. Transitioning towards energy-smart agrifood systems that optimize the use of efficient and sustainable energy is crucial.

Energy-smart agrifood systems not only conserve energy but can even produce it to leverage the dual relationship between energy and food. 



e-irrigation-technologies

Irrigation technologies encompass techniques, skills, methods, and processes used to artificially apply water to assist in the growing of crops and pastures.

This can be done by letting water flow over the land (surface irrigation), by spraying water under pressure over the land concerned (sprinkler irrigation), or by bringing it directly to the plant (localized irrigation). 


Food processing. The use of methods and techniques involving equipment, energy, and tools to transform agricultural products such as grains, meats, vegetables, fruits, and milk into food ingredients or processed food products.