Sustainable agricultural revolution in Argentina: The powerful synergy between biological and digital innovation.
Event report
Speakers:
- Raquel CHAN
- Nacira MUÑOZ
- Guillermo SALVATIERRA
- AgustÃn TORRIGLIA
Moderators:
- Federico VILLEGAS
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Raquel CHAN
In the analysis, the speakers highlight the potential of biotechnology to increase crop yield and resilience. They mention examples where the introduction of a gene from a sunflower to the Arabidopsis thaliana plant helped it withstand longer periods of water deficit. They also discuss how elite crop varieties have been successfully improved using biotechnology. Moreover, the speakers refer to the Wheat HB4 variety, which was developed using biotechnology and found to be carbon neutral.
The importance of collaboration and public-private partnerships in agricultural biotechnology is emphasized. The successful development of biotech crops is attributed to interdisciplinary collaboration, public-private partnerships, and state investments. The technologies developed have received approval in various countries, and the owning company has even reached the New York stock market.
Furthermore, the analysis highlights that small mechanical alterations can increase crop yield without the need for genetic modification. Applying weight to the stems of plants for 48 hours has shown to increase yield by up to 50%. This method has been successfully applied to various crops, including Chia and tomatoes. Additionally, it has been found to increase the plants' resistance to fusarium, a lethal fungus.
The speakers stress the importance of investing in science and technology regardless of a country's wealth status. They argue that such investment is crucial for the success of research and development. The need for a series of small revolutions in agriculture is also highlighted, rather than relying solely on a second Green Revolution. Argentina's grain production is cited as an example, having tripled from 40 million tons in the 90s to 150 million tons today, thanks to small contributions, including GMO wheat.
The analysis also points out that investment in agriculture should be tailored to the specific needs of each country. Argentina, being an agricultural country, has focused on improving its agricultural sector. Additionally, it is noted that technology and digital advancements play a significant role in enhancing food production. Satellites and digital technologies are mentioned as vital tools in improving agricultural practices. The development of GMO wheat is cited as a positive example of how technology has increased food production.
Overall, the speakers argue that biotechnology, collaboration, investment in science and technology, small mechanical alterations, and digital advancements all contribute to enhancing crop yield, resilience, and food production. These conclusions highlight the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and tailored strategies to address the challenges faced in agriculture globally.
Audience
The discussion focused on several key topics related to agricultural technology. Firstly, there was a consensus that another technological revolution is needed to enhance crop production. It was noted that the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s led to a significant increase in wheat and rice production. However, with the projected demand for crops in the future to feed a global population of 10 billion people, it was suggested that a new Technological Revolution is necessary to meet this challenge. The importance of inter-country cooperation for the rapid development of new agricultural technology was also emphasized. It was highlighted that many countries have established National Research Institutes, which could collaborate and share knowledge and resources to accelerate progress in this field. By promoting partnerships and sharing best practices, it is believed that advancements in agricultural technology could be achieved more efficiently and effectively.
Drawing young people into the agricultural technology field was another aspect discussed. Recognising that the agricultural sector needs young, talented individuals to drive innovation and growth, the need to attract and engage the younger generation in this field was highlighted. Specific strategies and initiatives to promote agriculture as an attractive career option were not explicitly discussed, but it was acknowledged as an important factor for the future development of agricultural technology.
The potential development of new GMOs for wheat was also mentioned. While there was a neutral sentiment towards GMOs, it was stated that there are concerns about the potential instability of GMOs. Despite this, it was noted that efforts are underway to develop new GMO wheat varieties, indicating ongoing research and attention in this area.
In addition to these topics, a query was raised regarding the data management of the ARSAT project. It was stated that the ARSAT project is responsible for handling the data, and the audience member sought clarification on who has access to the gathered satellite data and where it is located. Unfortunately, further details were not provided in the discussion summary.
Lastly, the discussion touched upon the difficulty faced by governments in deciding where to invest in research due to the constantly emerging fields. As various fields such as nanotechnology, blockchains, and genetic addition continue to emerge, governments face challenges in determining research priorities. This observation highlighted the complex nature of research investment decisions and the need for careful planning and consideration.
Overall, the discussion covered a range of important aspects related to agricultural technology. It emphasized the need for a new technological revolution, the significance of inter-country cooperation, the importance of attracting young talent, the potential for GMO development, and the challenges faced by governments in research investment decisions. However, it is worth noting that the summary lacked specific evidence or arguments supporting these points, which could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the discussion.
Federico VILLEGAS
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), governments around the world provide over $800 billion in annual agricultural support. However, it is argued that a significant portion of this support is environmentally harmful. The negative sentiment arises from concerns about the impact of such support on the environment.
On the other hand, Argentina serves as a shining example of how agricultural practices can be made more ecologically sustainable. They believe that science, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technology are key to achieving this goal. By synergising efforts from both the public and private sectors, Argentina has been able to embrace advanced technology and implement best agricultural practices. This has led to improved productivity while still prioritising environmental conservation.
Argentina highlights several key factors that contribute to their success in agricultural sustainability and productivity. These factors include the enablement of regulatory frameworks, the development of new plant varieties, sustainable mechanisation practices, and the use of innovative digital applications. By leveraging these tools, Argentina believes they can not only achieve food security but also ensure the long-term sustainability of their agricultural sector.
In addition to sustainable domestic agriculture, Argentina also champions fair, transparent, market-oriented international agricultural trade. They argue that this model of trade can contribute to comprehensive food security and sustainability. By advocating for a rules-based and non-distorted trade system, Argentina aims to promote a level playing field for all countries involved in agricultural trade. This approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.
In conclusion, the WTO reports that governments provide substantial agricultural support annually, but there are concerns about its environmental impact. Nonetheless, Argentina showcases the potential for more ecologically sustainable agriculture through science, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technology. They emphasise the importance of regulatory frameworks, new plant varieties, sustainable mechanisation, and innovative digital applications. Furthermore, Argentina advocates for fair, transparent, and market-oriented international agricultural trade as a means to achieve comprehensive food security and sustainability. Their approach aligns with the SDGs and highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental conservation in the agricultural sector.
Nacira MUÑOZ
The National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina plays a key role in advancing sustainable agriculture. Established in 1956, INTA was created to promote research and extension in the agricultural sector. With a nationwide presence and 7,000 employees, INTA has a well-structured organization that includes a national directorate, regional centres, research centres, and research institutes.
One of the main focuses of INTA is understanding and addressing the impact of climate change on agricultural practices and promoting sustainable land use. They have a number of large-scale, collaborative projects that require scale-specific approaches. For instance, INTA is involved in a project focused on developing and validating a framework for sustainability evaluation. This project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental processes and management. Additionally, INTA is involved in a project that aims to calculate greenhouse emissions in the agriculture, livestock, and forestry sectors. The goal is to identify technologies that can improve the carbon balance in these sectors.
INTA is also actively involved in social projects that aim to enhance food security and value addition. For the past 30 years, they have been running the Pro-Huerta Programme, a horticultural production programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. This programme benefits many people and helps them commercialise their excess produc. Furthermore, INTA assists in strengthening cooperatives, particularly those associated with yerba mate and artisanal cheese production.
Technological development is another priority for INTA, as they believe it is imperative for improving agricultural productivity. They have developed innovative technologies such as solar-powered cheese vats for small farmers and micro tractors. These technological advancements help farmers in their daily tasks and contribute to increased productivity.
International collaborations are a crucial part of INTA's strategy. They currently have 72 international collaborations with 187 bilateral agreements and 65 multilateral agreements. This allows for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, strengthening their research and extension efforts.
In addition to international collaborations, INTA also recognises the importance of local investments in addressing global challenges. By investing in areas that address local issues while providing global solutions, INTA aims to create sustainable and impactful solutions. They believe that local situations cannot be ignored in favour of global solutions. Long-term plans may change due to evolving circumstances, but the focus remains on investing in local problems to find global solutions.
In conclusion, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Argentina plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable agriculture. Through their research and extension initiatives, INTA addresses various challenges related to climate change, sustainable land use, food security, and value addition. Technological development, international collaborations, and local investments are integral parts of INTA's strategy to tackle these challenges and create sustainable solutions.
Gloria Abraham
The agricultural sector in Argentina is globally renowned for its significant contribution to food security. Not only does it feed the country's population, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security. The sector's success can be attributed to advancements in biotechnology and digitalization. Precision agriculture and smart farming, aided by biotechnology and data analytics, have greatly improved efficiency and productivity.
Gloria Abraham emphasizes the importance of agriculture, technology, and innovation in driving the sector's growth. She believes that traditional farming has the potential to transform into a sustainable and technologically advanced industry. Her invitation to panelists to discuss innovative strategies and practices reflects this vision. Argentina's effective utilization of biotechnology and digitalization in agriculture further demonstrates their commitment to progress.
The development of the agricultural sector in Argentina is the result of cooperation across various sectors, including the public, private, academic, and civil society domains. This collaboration has not only achieved efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness, but it has also brought about transformative advancements. This collective effort serves as an exemplary model for other sectors.
The scientific community's collaboration with technology is another crucial factor in the sector's success. They provide technical solutions tailored to diverse bioregions, contributing significantly to production and productivity while safeguarding natural resources. The synergy between science and technology has played a vital role in the growth of the agricultural industry.
The panelists also advocate for reform in agricultural trade rules. They suggest that the World Trade Organization (WTO) should promote solutions rooted in scientific and technological knowledge to encourage sustainable food production. Reforming these trade rules, including reducing distorting domestic support, would lead to fair and sustainable practices in global food trade.
In conclusion, the agricultural sector in Argentina exemplifies the transformative power of agriculture, technology, and innovation. Through advancements in biotechnology, digitalization, and precision agriculture, the sector has become more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive. The collaboration of multiple sectors, including the scientific community and technology, has been instrumental in achieving these results. Calls for reform in agricultural trade rules further emphasize the sector's commitment to sustainable practices. By adopting these approaches, other nations can strive to build thriving and sustainable agricultural sectors.
Guillermo SALVATIERRA
Argentina has made significant strides in the digitalization of its agricultural sector by leveraging satellite data. The country has successfully launched eight satellites and has plans to launch three more in the future. Two key players in this domain are ARSAT and CONAI, who operate telecommunications and Earth observation satellites respectively.
ARSAT and CONAI's satellites play a crucial role in providing essential information to farmers, especially in rural areas. For instance, they offer vital data such as soil moisture maps, which greatly assists farmers in making informed decisions about irrigation and crop management. This access to accurate and real-time information empowers farmers to optimize their agricultural practices and enhance crop yields.
Moreover, the collaboration between the technology and agriculture sectors in Argentina has resulted in the development of innovative solutions, such as Frontec. Frontec is a partnership between a technology company responsible for the development of Argentina's satellites and Logrobo, a significant player in the country's agribusiness. The main objective of Frontec is to help farmers make more sustainable and profitable agronomic decisions.
Frontec has achieved this goal by creating an online platform that offers site-specific farming recommendations, crop monitoring, and weather and climate data. This platform equips farmers with valuable information to enhance their decision-making processes and improve overall agricultural productivity. Thus, the successful adoption of digital farming technology, exemplified by Frontec, has had a significant broad-scale impact on Argentina's agricultural sector.
The wide acceptance of Frontec's services by farmers demonstrates the positive reception and effectiveness of digital farming solutions in the country. In fact, the advancements in digital farming have spurred growth within Argentina's AgTech sector, with new startups and services emerging to cater to the evolving needs of the agricultural community.
Frontec's influence extends beyond Argentina's borders. The technology it has developed has been exported to other countries such as India, Ghana, and Colombia, contributing to global agricultural development. This international adoption of digital farming technology reaffirms its potential for transforming agricultural practices on a global scale.
Frontec solely focuses on providing commercial services to farmers, highlighting its commitment to serving its target audience rather than academia or researchers. This emphasis on practical applications and tangible benefits for farmers underscores the practicality and relevance of Frontec's offerings.
In terms of infrastructure, Frontec stores its information and platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS), leveraging the cloud storage capabilities provided by the platform. This ensures the accessibility and reliability of the data and services offered by Frontec, allowing farmers to access the platform conveniently and efficiently.
Additionally, there is a potential collaboration between Frontec and ARSAT. ARSAT, having recently developed its own cloud service, presents an opportunity for synergistic collaboration, enhancing the services and offerings of both entities.
The combination of information and technology, encompassing satellite technology, is highlighted as a critical mission for future agriculture. Utilizing satellite technology, along with other digital farming tools, can effectively address agronomic gaps and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. This holistic approach aligns with the mission economy concept advocated by economist Mariana Mazzucato, emphasising the importance of focused investment and effort in specific areas to drive economic growth and development.
In conclusion, Argentina's digitalization of its agricultural sector through satellite data has yielded significant benefits. The successful launch of multiple satellites, the emergence of innovative solutions like Frontec, and the widespread adoption of digital farming technology all demonstrate Argentina's commitment to advancing its agricultural practices. These advancements not only have a positive impact locally but also contribute to global agricultural development. By leveraging information and technology, Argentina is at the forefront of addressing agronomic challenges and embracing a mission economy approach to drive sustainable growth in the agriculture sector.
AgustÃn TORRIGLIA
Agustin Torriglia is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, promoting a vision of sustainable agricultural production. His NGO, PRECID, is dedicated to promoting sustainable fibre and energy production systems through innovation and knowledge networks. Torriglia's approach involves implementing no-till farming and crop diversification to reduce environmental impact, optimize production, and foster innovation in the agricultural sector.
One supporting fact for Torriglia's argument is the significant scale at which his NGO operates. PRECID has over 1,800 members producing and managing more than 11 million hectares of land. This demonstrates widespread interest and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Another important piece of evidence is the impact of these sustainable farming techniques on yield and environmental sustainability. Torriglia reports a 28% increase in yields, a noteworthy achievement. By adopting no-till farming and diversifying crops, Argentinian farms have not only optimized production but also reduced the use of fossil fuels. Additionally, these practices have contributed to increased carbon sequestration, crucial for mitigating climate change.
The fact that Argentinian farms are already adopting these sustainable practices further strengthens Torriglia's argument. This adoption is leading to a reduction in carbon emissions in the agricultural sector, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, Torriglia's work involves adapting these practices to different geographical areas, ensuring wider benefits from sustainable agriculture.
In addition to sustainable farming practices, Torriglia emphasizes the importance of involving the younger generation in agronomy. He believes promoting participation by the younger generation is essential for the future of sustainable agriculture. To achieve this, training facilities are provided, allowing young individuals to learn and gain hands-on experience in agronomy. Furthermore, farm visitation programs are organized to expose them to practical farming techniques.
Torriglia also advocates for interdisciplinary cooperation in the field of agronomy. He believes including professionals from other disciplines such as biology and data science will bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the agricultural sector. Collaborating with biologists and data scientists, agronomists can benefit from their expertise and address challenges more effectively.
In conclusion, Agustin Torriglia is an advocate for sustainable agricultural production, and his work through PRECID demonstrates the positive impact of sustainable farming techniques. These practices have led to increased yields, reduced environmental impact, and carbon sequestration in the Argentinian agricultural sector. Torriglia also emphasizes the importance of involving the younger generation in agronomy and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation for future advancements in sustainable agriculture.
Speakers
AT
AgustÃn TORRIGLIA
Speech speed
83 words per minute
Speech length
801 words
Speech time
582 secs
A
Audience
Speech speed
137 words per minute
Speech length
872 words
Speech time
381 secs
FV
Federico VILLEGAS
Speech speed
125 words per minute
Speech length
474 words
Speech time
228 secs
GA
Gloria Abraham
Speech speed
112 words per minute
Speech length
1253 words
Speech time
672 secs
GS
Guillermo SALVATIERRA
Speech speed
110 words per minute
Speech length
1473 words
Speech time
804 secs
NM
Nacira MUÑOZ
Speech speed
123 words per minute
Speech length
2201 words
Speech time
1073 secs
RC
Raquel CHAN
Speech speed
109 words per minute
Speech length
1713 words
Speech time
945 secs
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