From September 11 to 13, the second "From Ziquejie Terraces to the World" Global Farming Culture and Mutual Learning Conference is being held in Xinhua County, Loudi City, Hunan Province. This year’s conference, themed “carrying forward the cultural traditions of Ziquejie Terraces and empowering the integrated development of agriculture, culture, and tourism”, focuses on the effective protection of world agricultural heritage and the sustainable development of agriculture, culture, and tourism integration.
Located in Xinhua County, Loudi City, Ziquejie Terraces enjoy a history of more than 2,000 years.
David Gosset, a French sinologist and the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on September 12.
Gosset shared an interesting story: he received the invitation to speak at this conference while he was en route to Gaoping City in Shanxi Province. In Gaoping, there is a temple dedicated to Shennong Yan Di, a legendary figure who, millennia ago, introduced farming and medicinal practices to ancient China. Mr. Gosset believes that the wisdom of such figures underscores the enduring quest for sustainable living, a quest that remains as pertinent today as it was in ancient times.
Gosset then discussed the numerous challenges modern society has brought to agriculture: urbanization has led to a reduction in arable land and a loss of biodiversity, climate change has increasingly disrupted traditional farming practices, the destructive impact of the COVID-19 on global food security has yet to fade, and the war in Ukraine has further destabilized food and energy markets.
Despite these challenges, Gosset remains optimistic. He mentioned that urban farming and vertical farming are becoming realities in many places, hydroponics is gaining momentum, precision agriculture can optimize crop yields and resource use, and building the food value chain can also help address some of these issues.
Gosset praised China's rural revitalization strategy and the efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In conclusion, he called on the international community to work together and collaborate to reduce human suffering and build a future where no one has to go hungry, and where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.
Full Speech:
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a honor for me to be here in Hunan, particularly in Loudi city, which is so close to the Ziquejie Terraces—a magnificent symbol of Chinese ingenuity and dedication to sustainable agricultural practices.
Some argue that the Ziquejie Terraces stand as a testament to human inventiveness just as the Dujiangyan irrigation system does. I fully concur with this sentiment. Both Ziquejie and Dujiangyan epitomize the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, a principle that is more relevant today than ever before.
Before I share remarks on the state of global agricultural development and discuss how we can bolster international cooperation in this critical field, I would like to share a personal anecdote, in fact, a perfect example of what Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) referred to as synchronicity.
I received your kind invitation to speak at the conference while I was en route to Gaoping City in Shanxi Province.
In Gaoping, there is a newly renovated temple dedicated to Shennong Yan Di, a legendary figure who, millennia ago, introduced farming and medicinal practices to ancient China. Shennong Yandi is often celebrated as a pioneer who marked the entry into the Neolithic era—a period of significant advancement in human civilization.
Standing in silent reverence before his statue, I hoped that his legacy would continue to inspire us. The wisdom of such figures underscores the enduring quest for sustainable living, a quest that remains as pertinent today as it was in ancient times.
Currently, China faces the monumental task of feeding 1.4 billion people, while the global community must provide for over 8 billion individuals. By around 2050, our collective challenge will be to ensure enough food for 10 billion people.
This challenge is compounded by several modern constraints. Urbanization has led to a reduction in arable land and a loss of biodiversity, the consequences of which are complex to assess. Besides, climate change has increasingly disrupted traditional farming practices, making agriculture more challenging and, in some cases, nearly impossible.
The concept of climate change refugees is far from theoretical; it is a harsh reality. Climate migration is wreaking havoc on people's lives. Imagine losing your home or livelihood because of a flood, facing hunger due to a failed harvest or drought, or being forced to flee because of desertification, rising sea levels, or a lack of clean drinking water.
This is the daily reality for millions of climate refugees who are at the forefront of the climate crisis. As global climate threats intensify, the number of climate migrants is expected to rise dramatically. Some experts predict that by 2050, up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced globally due to climate change and natural disasters.
As we all know, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global food security has been devastating. The international community has yet to fully recover from the pandemic and is now grappling with the additional consequences of the war in Ukraine, which has further destabilized food and energy markets.
However, I am optimistic that we have viable solutions to address these pressing issues. Advances in technology offer promising pathways to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. In today’s context, urbanization is not necessarily at odds with farming. Urban farming and vertical farming are becoming realities in many places, while hydroponics—growing plants without soil—is also gaining momentum.
Let me dispel a myth. Far from being less nutritious, hydroponically-grown plants can have nutrition levels that are on par with, or even exceed, those of conventionally soil-grown plants. One of the main reasons for this is that the farmer has complete control over the plant’s nutrient mix. They can tailor the water and nutrients to meet the specific needs of each plant species, resulting in crops that are healthier and more nutrient-dense.
Precision agriculture, a field that leverages technology to optimize crop yields and resource use, is another solution. Through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies, we can make agriculture more efficient, predictable, and environmentally friendly.
Yet, the adoption of these technologies comes at a cost. This is where the concept of integrating agriculture, technology, and finance becomes crucial. While green finance has rightly been emphasized in the energy sector, it is equally important that we apply it to precision agriculture.
Beyond farming, it is crucial to approach the food value chain with a strong sense of responsibility. Small-scale producers account for over 70% of the world's food supply, while agribusinesses play a significant role in generating employment and income globally. Enhancing the sustainability of food value chains can benefit millions of impoverished households in developing countries and ensure access to nutritious food for everyone.
Authorities should support farmers, agribusinesses, and civil society to foster inclusive and efficient food systems. This includes better integrating smallholder farmers and small- to medium-sized agribusinesses into the value chains. Such support will improve their market access, create decent employment opportunities, and increase the availability of nutritious food.
Prioritizing capacity development for nutrition-sensitive value chains is essential.
Dear friends,
we must not overlook the stark reality that 2.3 billion people worldwide lack adequate food access, and over 800 million people experience hunger daily. This suffering is unacceptable, and it is imperative that we work collectively to address it.
Let me repeat what Norman Borlaug (1914-2009), the famous agronomist, used to say: “You can't build peace on empty stomachs.”
In 2015, the international community adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with the second goal being Zero Hunger. This underscores the need for increased efforts to achieve these essential objectives.
China’s success in eradicating extreme poverty provides a beacon of hope and a reference for other nations. It is essential that we amplify international cooperation and draw from the extensive wisdom accumulated through China’s experiences.
In 2017, China launched its rural revitalization (xiangcun zhenxing) strategy. Recently, while creating a TV documentary on the Greater Bay Area, I studied the impact of this policy in Guangdong's rural areas. It is highly encouraging to observe that, in some regions, Chinese agriculture is leading the way in using advanced technologies for more efficient and sustainable farming. I recall being in Nansha, south of Guangzhou, where I visited a farm and spoke with highly qualified professionals, including agricultural engineers and food scientists, while drones flew overhead to monitor the farm's conditions.
For those interested in the direction of China's agriculture, I recommend reading the “Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization”, which was adopted on July 18, 2024.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is the specialized UN agency leading efforts to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and enhance food security. Under the leadership of Mr. Qu Dongyu, the FAO is well-positioned to foster international collaboration and advance initiatives aimed at alleviating global hunger and promoting sustainable farming practices. Director-General Qu is strongly advocating for a renaissance of the FAO. As we approach its 80th anniversary next year, the FAO remains central to building a world of peace and justice and working towards a shared future for humanity.
I firmly believe in progress and the possibility of reducing human suffering through concerted efforts and collaboration. Progress, however, is contingent upon a spirit of fraternity and mutual understanding. As we move forward, let us embrace the principles of cooperation, innovation, and shared responsibility.
The challenges we face in agriculture are significant but not insurmountable. By leveraging technology, applying green finance principles, and fostering international cooperation, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.
Regardless of their nationality, great minds such as Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution, and Yuan Longping (1930-2021), the father of hybrid rice whose connection with Hunan was so profound, have made significant contributions to humanity and progress. Let us draw inspiration from their intelligence and generosity.
Last but not least, let us be inspired by the ingenuity of the Ziquejie Terraces as we work together to build a future where no one has to go hungry, and where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.
Thank you.
