Recently, the inaugural WAFI 2024 Summit Dialogue took place at the International Conference Center of China Agricultural University. Dr. Ann Derwin, the Irish Ambassador to China and a distinguished guest from last year’s conference, delivered insightful opening remarks. Her address highlighted Ireland's policy experience in food systems transformation and provided a forward-looking perspective on the challenges ahead. Ambassador Derwin also engaged with attendees and the media on various critical issues related to the field.

She discussed Ireland's historical struggles with famine, underscoring the critical importance of food and nutrition security for both national and global stability and development. She emphasized Ireland's recent efforts to enhance cooperation with the World Food Program, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and African nations, with a focus on supporting underdeveloped countries through targeted food programs. Ambassador Derwin expressed her hope that Ireland would continue to play an increasingly significant role in international agricultural cooperation.

Ireland is renowned for its agricultural exports, particularly its high-quality grass-fed beef and dairy products. A decade ago, Ireland launched the world’s first national certification program for food sustainability, aiming to promote sustainable resource use through responsible procurement and reduced packaging waste from farm to consumer. In 2021, the Irish government introduced the Food Vision 2030 agricultural strategy, which seeks to reduce biogenic methane emissions by 10% by 2030. This goal is to be achieved through the application of genetic improvement, efficient farm management, reduced use of chemical fertilizers, increased vegetation coverage, and the use of feed additives.

Ambassador Derwin highlighted the Farm Zero C project, an international collaboration involving 19 partners from eight countries, focused on reducing fertilizer use, extending grazing seasons, and utilizing additive technologies to lower farm animal carbon emissions and overall carbon footprints. Ireland has also partnered with countries like Denmark and the Netherlands on protein synthesis technology, which enhances protein and nutrient output during refining processes as a sustainable alternative to soy. This innovative approach, which maintains food production and conversion efficiency, effectively reduces ammonia emissions and contributes to carbon neutrality. The substitution rate for this high-protein concentrate has now reached 25%. Ambassador Derwin emphasized that farmers are not just producers but also stewards of the natural environment. In recent years, several European countries have increased incentive policies for forestry and agricultural carbon sinks, protected the cultural heritage of farms, promoted agricultural development, and revitalized rural areas, thereby supporting biodiversity.

During the session, Ambassador Derwin also shared Ireland's plans and achievements in agricultural research, extension projects, and educational cooperation. She underscored the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration in improving agricultural productivity and adaptability, which is crucial for promoting sustainability. Additionally, she addressed questions from attendees about the experiences of Irish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in reducing food waste and promoting green agricultural development. She provided detailed answers and shared relevant case studies, noting that some Irish NGOs are particularly focused on issues such as food waste, subclinical animal diseases, and the financial challenges faced by women in agriculture. These NGOs have made positive contributions that could eventually be promoted globally, including establishing databases for variety research in breeding programs, reducing food waste, and advancing agricultural sustainability.

In response to Ambassador Derwin’s advice, the conference already announced that this year's WAFI will feature a female summit dedicated to discussing the vital role women play in promoting food systems transformation. Ambassador Derwin expressed her delight at WAFI's increased focus on women and hoped that more female experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs would participate in the future to contribute to global agricultural development.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ireland. The two countries have continuously strengthened technical exchanges, cooperative research and development, and the promotion of modern agricultural technologies, broadening cooperation fields and deepening the content of collaboration, reflecting vibrant growth and potential. Ambassador Derwin eagerly anticipates closer collaboration between China and Ireland in agricultural research, education, and transnational cooperation, injecting new momentum into global agricultural progress.

Written by: WAFI Secretary
Photos courtesy of the organizer