Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Jurgen Tack

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference, to Jurgen Tack, Secretary-General of the European Landowners’ Organization. Jurgen explains how at the conference we hear a good mix of possibilities, from market instruments like carbon farming and biodiversity credits to the role of subsidies and profitability. However, profitability is often lost in the discussion, but it is the most important aspect of any farming activity in Europe. He believes that we have to start thinking about a longer-term system with less subsidies and higher profitability for farmers.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference, to Grzegorz Brodziak, farmer and CEO Goodvalley, Poland, and President of the Management Board, Polska Federacja Rolna. Representing over 1,000 farms across Poland, Grzegorz explains that with geopolitical chaos and changing circumstances, farmers need stability to keep production going and remain competitive. He believes that we need to take a step back and find a wise way to implement necessary climate and environmental changes without threatening the existence of European agriculture. 

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Freediving World Record holder, explorer and photographer Fred Buyle, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Fred explains how we cannot just protect the land and the sea separately; everything is connected, if you throw something in a river, it will eventually get into the ocean. He believes that we can all make a difference because it’s the end consumer who will determine what happens in the food industry.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Katie McRobert, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Katie explains how Australian farmers operate in a very different policy environment, with no public support or subsidies, it’s purely market-driven. So, looking for those things that unite rather than focusing on the differences is extremely important. She believes that if we can articulate our shared values, we can then design implementation strategies suitable for different jurisdictions while all working towards the same goal of sustainable agriculture.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Petra Laux, Chief Sustainability Officer & Head Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Syngenta, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Petra explains that she believes that the Forum is still relevant today because we haven’t solved the problems. While farmers have a great history of feeding an increasing population on about the same amount of land, she highlights that new challenges have emerged including climate change and biodiversity decline. She believes that we need to be both sustainable and competitive, because as a farmer, you can’t be green if your bank account is red.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Prof. Dr. Harald Grethe, Director of the independent think tank Agora Agriculture and Head of the Agricultural Development and Trade Group, Humboldt-University of Berlin, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Harald explains how Agora use a science-based approach, but also include a diversity of views by talking to stakeholders. He stresses that policy proposals need to be scientifically sound and have the support of enough stakeholders and that it is essential to create economic opportunities that make it attractive for farmers to contribute to biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Francis Malige of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Francis explains that financing agriculture is essential for food security and once banks are comfortable financing agriculture, they are ready to accompany their farming clients into more sustainable solutions. Despite geopolitical risks and tensions, Francis is optimistic because the resourcefulness of farmers and the entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector fill him with hope.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Luís Rua, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Luís explains that Brazil has reduced deforestation of the Amazon by 45% and the Forum was an opportunity to highlight some of Brazil’s initiatives for more sustainable production. He believes that Brazil can be a promoter of a “geopolitics of peace” by providing food, energy, and climate security to the world.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Felipe Ortega Schlingmann from the European Investment Bank (EIB), during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference.  Felipe advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability in farming, starting with profitability and social sustainability in rural areas to make them attractive again, linking this to sustainable farming within planetary boundaries. He explains that traditional approaches need to be complemented by smart, innovative finance mechanisms that blend public and private funds.

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Roman Tarnovsky, Vice President, Sustainability Solutions and Strategic Partnerships at Indigo, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference.  They discuss Indigo's focus on making growers profitable and sustainable, but how it is essential to earn the trust of farmers so that they can benefit from innovations.