Food Systems - ForumforAg

In discussion with Tassos Haniotis and John Clarke

In this episode, we sit down with Tassos Haniotis, former Director at DG AGRI and Senior Guest Researcher at IIASA, and John Clarke, former Head of EU delegation to the WTO and the UN in Geneva,to explore the latest geopolitical shifts and their impact on global trade. We discuss what 2025 might hold for the rules-based order and how key policy developments could reshape international markets.

In discussion with Mike Massimino

In this special episode, we talk with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, who will be a keynote speaker at our Annual Conference on April 1. After two missions to the Hubble Telescope and four space walks to make critical repairs to the telescope, Mike explains how seeing the earth from space gave him a unique perspective on the fragility of the planet and a better understanding of its important role in keeping us alive and fed. He explains how growing food in space is a particular challenge, but he highlights that it demonstrates similar issues to growing food in areas of the world where resources, such as water, are limited. This is an inspiring discussion with someone who has experienced the awe and beauty of the planet from the frontier of space.

In a discussion with Kathryn Bartlett

In this episode, we talk with Kathryn Bartlett, a soil scientist at Anglo-American, who is working on unpicking the interactions between polyhalite and soils. She explains the importance of building up this understanding of interactions to unlock new and innovative crop nutrient solutions as part of a global need to improve soil health/ performance that enhances crop nutrient use efficiency and land management practices. She also shares her special message on World Soil Day.

In a discussion with John Baffes, Petr Havlik, and Tassos Haniotis

In this episode of the Food Systems Podcast, hosted by Mark Titterington, a panel of experts—John Baffes (World Bank Senior Agriculture Economist), Petr Havlik (Program Director at the International Institute for Applied Systems), and Tassos Haniotis (Special Advisor for Sustainable Productivity at the Forum's Advisory Council)—discuss critical challenges and opportunities in agriculture and food markets. The conversation focuses on the need for updated policies to address shifting dynamics caused by global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.

In discussion with Stefania Avanzini

In this episode, we talk with Stefania Avanzini, Director of One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B). Stefania discusses OP2B’s mission to transform agriculture by enhancing soil health, promoting biodiversity, and advancing sustainable farming practices. She highlights the need for collaboration between agribusinesses, governments, and farmers to scale these efforts, emphasizing that while significant investments have been made, more unified action and political support are essential for achieving large-scale impact.

In discussion with Ann Tutwiler

In this episode, we talk with Ann Tutwiler, Chair of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, former Director-General of Bioversity International and member of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture Advisory Council. Ann explains how she is convinced that agriculture must show that it is a system that is contributing towards the environment, improving nutrition and resilience to climate change, and also reducing the contribution of agriculture to greenhouse gas emissions.

In discussion with Jörg-Andreas Krüger

In this episode, we talk with Jörg-Andreas Krüger, President of NABU. In the discussion, he talks about the new strategic partnership with the Forum and synergies and alignment of NABU's initiatives with the recently published Call to Action. Jörg-Andreas also highlights the need for a good agricultural system which has a good balance between the income for farmers, the production of good quality food and also the maintenance of ecosystems.

In discussion with Janez Potočnik

In this episode, Dr. Janez Potoćnik joins Mark Titterington in the new studio to share his reflections on the climate and biodiversity challenges and the current political environment. He also looks to the future for the development of new ideas and thinking that can provide the necessary solutions for the transformation of the agri-food system to one which is resilient, sustainable, nature positive and climate smart.

In dialogue with Deanna Kovar

In this episode, we talk with Deanna Kovar, President of the Worldwide Agriculture and Turf Division at John Deere. In the discussion, she shares insights on how John Deere is leading the transformation in sustainable technologies, precision agriculture and digital innovation to drive change and promote sustainability in the agricultural machinery industry. 

In discussion with Jesús Antón

In this episode, we talk with Jesús Antón, the Head of Unit in the Agriculture and Resource Policies Division at the OECD. Jesús leads initiatives on innovation and conducts agricultural policy  reviews using the OECD's productivity-sustainability-resilience framework. In our discussion, he shares insights from the OECD's latest publication, "Policies for the Future of Farming and Food in the European Union".