AgriConnect 2023: International agriculture conference focused on innovation and sustainability
Organized by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) and VNU Asia Pacific, in partnership with the Thai Ministry of Agriculture, AgriConnect 2023 brought together leading experts and professionals in the field of agriculture. The main purpose of the conference was to discuss and find solutions to the main challenges facing agriculture in Southeast Asia, such as labor shortages, competition for resources and environmental degradation.
The conference was opened with a welcoming speech by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Narapat Kaeothong, followed by speeches by Katarina Staske, Managing Director of DLG Asia Pacific, and Igor Palka, Managing Director of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific.
Dr. Bernd Christiansen, Adviser for Food and Agriculture at the German Embassy in Bangkok, praised the AgriConnect conference for the quality of the speakers and the focus on sustainability. He noted that AgriConnect analyzes important issues in depth and offers a high-level dialogue between experts.
Participants praise AgriConnect 2023 for high standards
The participants of the AgriConnect 2023 conference expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the high standards set at the event. Matthew McDonald, Apac Precision Technology Product Manager at CNH Industrial, expressed his gratitude for the focus on innovation and commitment to raising standards in the Southeast Asian agricultural industry. He emphasized that AgriConnect brings together participants with a common goal of bringing about change and improving quality in the region's agricultural industry.
The event included seven sessions where participants received practical solutions and opportunities to share knowledge and experience. Questions and answers have been built into the sessions to support an active exchange of views.
Sustainability and Innovation: Progress and Prospects in Southeast Asian Agriculture
One of the sessions, titled "Opportunities and Challenges in Implementing Smart Farming Technologies in Thailand", focused on the development of agricultural structures in Thailand over the past 20 years. Karsten Ziebell, Project Manager of the German-Thai Cooperation, shared his research and talked about the decline in the average area of agricultural land per farm and its impact on the lives of rural households in Thailand. He also highlighted the potential of cross-cutting initiatives such as research, policy frameworks, funding and smart farming innovation.
Another session, titled "Sustainability in Southeast Asian agriculture: challenges of sustainable production and opportunities for German agricultural companies", included a round table discussion of challenges between representatives of the private sector, international organizations and ministries. It was noted that the continuous development of farmers' skills through the transfer of knowledge and technology is a key factor for their successful development. The importance of engaging the private sector in the policy dialogue to include all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain was also highlighted.
Practical examples of sustainability
As part of AgriConnect 2023, visits to three farms were organized, where the participants of the event received valuable practical knowledge about the achievements and ambitions of the agricultural industry.
At the DiStar Fresh Farm, CEO Sanshin Srifiramrak shared the farm's success story, highlighting its commitment to providing products free of pests and contaminants. DiStar Fresh has become a leading superfood farm with a focus on quality control. By eliminating the use of pesticides, the farm is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture. In addition, by strategically selecting land in urban areas, DiStar Fresh promotes local development and distribution, reducing transport emissions and investing in a more sustainable food system.
The Chia Tai x True Digital Solution Farm showcased cutting-edge solutions, including a smart "fertigation" system that integrates watering and automated plant fertilization. Robots are used to harvest and deliver crops, and drones are used to accurately and efficiently apply pesticides.
A visit to Speedy Access Farm led by CEO Bhumipun Koosakul underlined the importance of technology to the development of the industry. The development of a management system adapted to the unique needs of different cultural species was demonstrated. Speedy Access showcased its mastery of cutting-edge technology and farming equipment from world-famous brands, be it indoor growing, greenhouse farming or hydroponics.
AgriConnect 2023 has successfully brought together participants in the agricultural industry from around the world, facilitating knowledge sharing, networking and finding innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. This conference has become a platform where experts, private sector representatives and government authorities can work together to create a more sustainable future of the agricultural industry in Southeast Asia.
Author of the article: Ekaterina Antonova
