On October 17th, in a side event at the 46th Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS46), the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) hosted, in collaboration with the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAR) with the patronage of Italy’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations Agencies and in partnership with Agro Camera – Rome Chamber of Commerce, a multi-sectoral panel on innovation in agriculture

The panellists explored how innovation, conceived not only as technology but also as a way of engaging actors differently, can help in the path towards sustainable development, with agriculture playing a central role in this journey.

In her opening remarks, the Italian Ambassador Vincenza Lomonaco welcomed the more than 50 participants who were present at the event.

The GFAR chairman, Raffaele Maiorano, explained the role of the multi-stakeholder platform in fostering innovation and SDGs implementation.

Michael Keller, Secretary-General of the International Seed Federation, brought the private sector perspective into the debate, presenting how the seed sector is committed to working closely with the farmers to make innovation accessible for all the farmers.

From World Bank, Astrid Jakobs highlighted the importance of involving farmers in R&D and increasing investments in agriculture, while Neil Watkins, from Billa&Melinda Gates Foundation, brought out the importance of partnering with farmers.

Carlo Hausmann, Director General of Agro Camera presented Agro Camera experience in fostering farmer-driven innovation and tackling Climate Change.
In his closing remarks, Theo de Jager reminded the audience that the pulling force of the food chain is the market, competition drives the market and innovation is the edge of competition.