Small-scale farmers need access to innovative technology
The global food security challenge is closely linked to a sustainable bioeconomy. Small-scale farmers require access to modern technology to implement a sustainable circular economy. At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), held at the start of the Green Week 2025 in Berlin/Germany, more than 500 representatives from politics, science, business and society shared ideas on innovative solutions for food security. During the expert panel "Bioeconomy and Innovation", organised with the participation of the German Agricultural Society (DLG), experts presented projects and identified the necessary framework conditions for achieving resource-efficient and financially viable agriculture. The discussion was moderated by Dr Dirk Pauschert from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).
Innovations in Thailand
Kanjana Dangrungroj from the Thai Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the challenges of balancing agricultural productivity, income, climate resilience and the transition away from fossil fuels on farms. Production costs, such as fertiliser purchases, continue to rise, while climate change reduces access to water. Incomes in agriculture remain low. Family farms hold significant importance in Thailand, she explained, with the average age of farmers being very high. Women and young people are key drivers of change, particularly in implementing sustainable production methods and conserving resources.
New crops in cultivation
Sarah Talea Kretschmer from the German-Thai Agricultural Cooperation Project (GETHAC) described practical innovations being implemented in Thailand with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Examples include improvements in soil management, alternatives to burning crop residues, the introduction of new crops, composting methods, and the use of shredders for managing palm oil production residues. These approaches contribute to enhanced sustainability and strengthen the resilience of value chains, Kretschmer noted during the expert panel. However, she emphasised that it was crucial for farmers to economically benefit from innovations and have incentives to adopt new technologies.
Financing sustainable investments
Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana, Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), discussed various support programmes aimed at enabling small and medium-sized farms to adopt modern technology through credit programmes and grants.
Farmers should not be deterred by bureaucratic obstacles, such as filling out application forms, Mukeshimana stressed. She called on organisations to actively inform farmers about available funding programmes to support the agricultural sector.
Global partnerships
Helga Flores Trejo explained Bayer AG's approach to enhancing sustainable practices through research and innovation. As Special Representative for Multilateral and Sustainability Affairs at Bayer AG in Washington D.C./USA, she presented the global corporation's investments in regenerative agriculture. Trejo emphasised the importance of collaboration with governments, international organisations and small-scale farmers to advance sustainable business models. Drawing from experiences in pilot projects, she highlighted the significant impact that global partnerships can achieve.
Call for collaboration
The panel discussion concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among public, private, and multilateral actors to accelerate the progress of the bioeconomy. The panellists unanimously agreed that the success of bioeconomy and innovation relied on robust political frameworks, practical technologies, financial resources and the engagement of all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
(DLG/ile)
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