Recent Global Agricultural Productivity (GAP) reports have highlighted a concerning trend: agricultural productivity growth is slowing worldwide, particularly in regions where gains are most needed. Investment in transformational technologies such as digital agriculture, biotechnology, and climate-resilient innovations is key to driving sustainable productivity growth. However, the slow adoption of these technologies, along with gaps in policy and on-the-ground implementation, has hindered progress in many regions.
This two-day workshop brings together world-class experts from agricultural science, policy, economics, and social sciences to address the critical challenge of the agricultural productivity slowdown. Participants will explore innovative solutions through a carefully designed program that builds from foundational insights to collaboration towards actionable recommendations. The program includes presentations on transformational technologies, policy frameworks, regional success stories, and climate-smart practices.
Interactive panel discussions and breakout sessions throughout the workshop will bridge research and practice, helping to develop concrete policy recommendations and implement innovative ideas in real-world contexts. This collaborative format brings together diverse global perspectives for maximum impact on combating the TFP growth slowdown.
Register now! Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to solutions for sustainable agricultural productivity growth.
Registration is required to attend in-person and online.
April 17-18, 2024
Arlington, Virginia, USA
Dates
April 17 | 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
April 18 | 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Location
Virginia Tech Executive Briefing Center
900 North Glebe Road, Second Floor
Arlington, Virginia, USA
In-Person Attendance
Limited seats available
Full access to all sessions, networking opportunities, and materials
Complimentary meals and refreshments during the workshop
Virtual Attendance
Unlimited virtual attendance available
Live streaming of all main sessions
Opportunity to participate in Q&A and discussions
The Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative at Virginia Tech (GAP Initiative) mobilizes and advocates for action and investment to accelerate agricultural productivity growth at all scales of production to create returns to farmers, society, the economy, and the environment. The GAP Report™ is the heart of the GAP Initiative. This annually produced report is the premier source for productivity data, analysis, and policy recommendations that inspire action.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to shape policies promoting economic growth, sustainability, and global development. With 38 member countries, OECD provides research, analysis, and policy recommendations on key global challenges, including agriculture, trade, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Through its work in food systems and rural development, OECD helps governments design effective policies that drive agricultural productivity growth, resilience, and sustainability worldwide.
This workshop is sponsored by the OECD, under its Co-operative Research Programme: Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems, whose financial support makes it possible for most of the invited speakers to participate in the workshop. The opinions expressed and arguments employed in workshop materials and presentations are those of the invited speakers. This work, as well as any data and map included herein, should not be reported as representing the views of OECD Member countries or the OECD Secretariat.
AGENDA
April 17
Setting the Stage for Agricultural Innovation and Policy
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM | Registration and Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM | Opening Remarks and Welcome
Dr. Tebila Nakelse, GAP Initiative at Virginia Tech
8:35 AM – 9:00 AM | Presentation by the CRP Theme Coordinator
Dr. Se-Yeoun Cha, Department of Infectious Diseases and Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Poultry Diseases, Jeonbuk National University
Overview of CRP themes and objectives, aligning event goals with CRP priorities.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Keynote Presentation
“Current Trends in Global Agricultural Productivity: Insights from the GAP Report”
Dr. Tom Thompson, Virginia Tech
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Session 1: Innovations in Agriculture – A Global Perspective
Examining transformational technologies and their role in boosting agricultural productivity.
Speakers:
Dr. Hermione Dace, Tony Blair Institute
“Innovations at the Crossroads: Integrating Technology and Policy for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity”
Dr. Tim Dalton, Kansas State University
“Bridging the Research-Practice Divide: Scaling Innovations from Lab to Field”
Dr. Bruno Basso, Michigan State University
“The Role of Digital Agriculture and Precision Farming in Enhancing Productivity”
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 2: Drivers and Dynamics
Understanding how policy frameworks can accelerate agricultural innovation.
Speakers:
Dr. Kelly Cobourn, Virginia Tech
“Drivers of the Productivity Slowdown: Climate, Resources, and Market Dynamics”
Dr. Simon Winter, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation
“Strategies for Global Technology Transfer in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges”
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:10 PM | Panel Discussion: Bridging the Research-Practice Divide
Identifying strategies to ensure research findings translate into practical solutions for farmers.
Moderator: Dr. Alon Ben-Gal, Volcani Institute
Panelists:
Dr. Tim Dalton, Kansas State University
Dr. Bruno Basso, Michigan State University
Dr. Hermione Dace, Tony Blair Institute
Dr. Simon Winter, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation
Dr. Kelly Cobourn, Virginia Tech
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Breakout Session: Mapping the Innovation Valley of Death
4:45 PM | Closing Remarks for Day 1
April 18
Case Studies, Regional Perspectives, and Policy Recommendations
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Session 3: Regional Success Stories
Highlighting real-world case studies of successful agricultural innovation and technology transfer.
Speakers:
Dr. Sandro Steinbach, North Dakota State University
” Strategies for Global Technology Transfer in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges”
Dr Nassib Mugwanya, Alliance for Science
“Engaging Farmers in the Innovation Process: Best Practices for Implementation “
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM | Coffee Break
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 4: Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Exploring strategies to build resilience against climate change and resource scarcity in agriculture.
Speakers:
Dr. Alon Ben-Gal, Volcani Institute
“Innovative Water Management Solutions for Agriculture in Water-Scarce Regions”
Dr. Emily Negrin, Inari
“Harnessing Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Practices”
Dr Tim Thomas, IFPRI
“The Role of Agricultural Technologies in Tackling Global Food Security”
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Sustainable Agriculture and Global Collaboration
Understanding how regional experiences can inform global agricultural policies.
Moderator: TBD
Panelists:
Dr. Alon Ben-Gal, Volcani Institute
Dr. Emily Negrin, Inari
Dr Sandro Steinbach, North Dakota State University
Dr Nassib Mugwanya, Alliance for Science
Dr Tim Thomas, IFPRI
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Coffee Break
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Breakout Session: Developing Policy and Innovation Recommendations
Breakout Groups (45 minutes)
Each group will discuss challenges, solutions, and actionable recommendations.
Discussion (30 minutes)
Groups present their key findings & recommendations.
Facilitated Synthesis (15 minutes)
4:45 PM | Closing Remarks for Day 2
*Agenda subject to change without notice
This workshop is sponsored by the OECD Co-operative Research Programme: Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems. The opinions expressed and arguments employed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the OECD or its member countries.
GAP REPORT & INITIATIVE SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Supporting Partners provide financial support for the GAP Initiative, GAP Report, and related activities. They offer important perspectives on critical issues facing agriculture in the U.S. and around the world.
GAP INITIATIVE TECHNICAL PARTNERS
Technical Partners contribute their knowledge of productive, sustainable agriculture, including the role of agricultural R&D and extension, natural resource conservation, human nutrition, international development, gender equity, and the needs of small-scale farmers.
