On June 26, a WAFI (World Agri-Tech Innovation Forum) dialogue series event was successfully held at the China Agricultural University International Conference Center. Centered on the theme of green and healthy transformation of agrifood systems, the dialogue brought together Professor Helen Hambly Odame, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the International Potato Center (CIP); Dr. Robert B. Bertram, CIP Board member; Dr. Simon Heck, CIP Director General; Professor Fan Shenggen, Dean of the Academy of Global Food Economics and Policy at China Agricultural University; and Professor Fu Wenge, Director of the MBA Education Center. The discussion focused on shared challenges, real-world opportunities, and pathways for action in global agrifood system innovation and cooperation.
Professor Helen Hambly Odame emphasized that innovation in agrifood systems requires not only technological breakthroughs but also capacity building and knowledge sharing. She noted that more effective coordination mechanisms should be established among scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and the younger generation so that knowledge can be truly understood, disseminated, and applied. She argued that only by breaking down knowledge barriers and strengthening different groups’ ability to participate in innovation can agrifood system innovation become more equitable and openly benefit a wider population.
Dr. Robert B. Bertram pointed out that many regions around the world still lack long-accumulated knowledge foundations, data support, and technical service systems, which to some extent constrains the effective application of innovation outcomes. He stated that the transformation of agrifood systems requires achieving “more output with fewer resources” through better information, improved varieties, more efficient management practices, and reduced losses—raising productivity while easing pressure on natural resources.
Dr. Simon Heck, drawing on the International Potato Center’s practical experience, stated that scientific breakthroughs can only truly drive agrifood system transformation once they are translated into economic value, environmental benefits, and social progress. He described CIP’s collaboration with Chinese research institutions in fields such as potato and sweetpotato, and noted that China is playing an increasingly important role in crop science, agricultural technology, and international cooperation. He said that international cooperation going forward needs to further connect scientific research outcomes with farmers’ needs, market mechanisms, and development goals. He further noted that consumer demand, localized value chains, and diversified markets are becoming important forces driving agrifood system transformation, helping to strengthen farmers’ access to technology, services, and market opportunities.
The participating experts agreed that innovation in agrifood systems is not merely a technical issue but also involves shifts in policy, institutions, business models, capacity building, and mindset. In the face of shared challenges such as climate change, biosecurity, food security, nutrition improvement, and smallholder farmer development, global agrifood systems need cross-border, cross-disciplinary, and cross-sector collaborative action now more than ever.