Accelerating Agricultural Productivity Growth for a Sustainable, Resilient World
Including the launch of the 2022 GAP Report
October 4, 2022 | Washington, D.C. and Online
The world’s food and agricultural systems are under severe stress from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and COVID-19, with devastating impacts on food security. Accelerating agricultural productivity growth is fundamental to meeting today’s challenges and building more sustainable, resilient systems to withstand challenges in the future.
At this hybrid event hosted by the Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative at Virginia Tech (GAP Initiative), the Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SPG Coalition), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, policymakers, private-sector innovators, and research leaders will discuss the need to accelerate agricultural productivity growth and concrete actions to do so. The event will include the release of the 2022 Global Agricultural Productivity Report.
AGENDA
- 7:30: Continental breakfast available
- 8:00: PART I: Global Agricultural Productivity (GAP) Report and the Case for Agricultural Productivity begins with welcoming remarks
- 8:10: Global Agricultural Productivity Report – Presentation and discussion of data
- 8:35: Panel Discussion – Strategies for reversing productivity trends and recovering from agricultural system shocks
- 9:30: PART II: Mobilizing Inclusive, Broad-Based Action to Accelerate Sustainable Productivity Growth begins
- 9:40: The Sustainable Productivity Growth Coalition Showcase – Concrete action to increase sustainable productivity growth for food security, resource conservation and climate change mitigation
- 11:00: Program concludes
Featured Speakers
Dr. Tom Thompson
Associate Dean and Director CALS Global, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Read BioDr. Jessica Agnew
Associate Director, CALS Global, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Read BioJocelyn Brown Hall
Director, Liaison Office for North America, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Read BioSarah Brown
Head of Public Affairs, Agricultural Solutions, North America, BASF Agricultural Solutions
Read BioNikki Dutta M.S.
Scientific Program Officer, Advanced Animal Systems, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
Read BioChristina Zola Peck
Strategic Communications Manager, International Fertilizer Development Center
Read BioPaul JG Rennie OBE
Counselor, Global Issues, Economic and Trade, British Embassy, Washington, DC
Read BioDr. Tek B Sapkota
Senior Scientist (Agricultural Systems/Climate Change), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
Read BioKey Topics
What is the outlook for agricultural productivity growth in the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other conflicts, COVID-19, and climate change?
Where is agricultural productivity stagnating or falling? What are the repercussions for food security and the environment?
How do we accelerate sustainable productivity growth at all scales of production? What would be the impacts if we did?
DATE:
October 4, 2022
LOCATION:
National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and Online
TIME:
In-person: 7:30 – 11:00 a.m. EST
Buffet breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Program starts at 8 a.m.
Online: 8:00 – 11:00 EST
COST:
Free and open to the public
*A photo ID is required for entry into the National Press Club.
Event Hosts
GAP Initiative
The Global Agricultural Productivity Initiative at Virginia Tech (GAP Initiative) advocates for accelerating sustainable agricultural productivity growth at all scales of production for food and nutrition security, economic development, and environmental stewardship. The GAP Initiative collaborates with partners in the private sector, NGOs, conservation organizations, universities, and global research institutions to provide a roadmap for progress through the Global Agricultural Productivity Report (GAP Report) and engagements with partners worldwide.
SPG Coalition
The Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SPG Coalition) is a voluntary coalition composed of almost 100 members from national governments, private sector organizations, academic and research institutions, and foundations. The objective of the SPG Coalition is to accelerate the transition to more sustainable food systems through a holistic approach to productivity growth that considers impacts and tradeoffs among multiple objectives, including, but not limited to, food security and nutrition, food affordability and accessibility, farmer and farmworker incomes and wellbeing, resource conservation, biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
GAP Report Supporting Partners
The GAP Report is supported by investments from the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. GAP Report Supporting Partners provide financial support for the GAP Report and related activities. They offer an important perspective on critical issues facing agricultural systems in the US and around the world.
Technical Partners
Our work is enhanced by contributions from Consultative Partners who share their knowledge and experience in agriculture, conservation, nutrition and the needs of small-scale farmers.