Food Systems - ForumforAg

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Katie McRobert

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Katie McRobert, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Katie explains how Australian farmers operate in a very different policy environment, with no public support or subsidies, it’s purely market-driven. So, looking for those things that unite rather than focusing on the differences is extremely important. She believes that if we can articulate our shared values, we can then design implementation strategies suitable for different jurisdictions while all working towards the same goal of sustainable agriculture.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Petra Laux

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Petra Laux, Chief Sustainability Officer & Head Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, Syngenta, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Petra explains that she believes that the Forum is still relevant today because we haven’t solved the problems. While farmers have a great history of feeding an increasing population on about the same amount of land, she highlights that new challenges have emerged including climate change and biodiversity decline. She believes that we need to be both sustainable and competitive, because as a farmer, you can’t be green if your bank account is red.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Prof. Dr. Harald Grethe

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Prof. Dr. Harald Grethe, Director of the independent think tank Agora Agriculture and Head of the Agricultural Development and Trade Group, Humboldt-University of Berlin, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Harald explains how Agora use a science-based approach, but also include a diversity of views by talking to stakeholders. He stresses that policy proposals need to be scientifically sound and have the support of enough stakeholders and that it is essential to create economic opportunities that make it attractive for farmers to contribute to biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Francis Malige

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Francis Malige of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Francis explains that financing agriculture is essential for food security and once banks are comfortable financing agriculture, they are ready to accompany their farming clients into more sustainable solutions. Despite geopolitical risks and tensions, Francis is optimistic because the resourcefulness of farmers and the entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector fill him with hope.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Luís Rua

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Luís Rua, Secretary of Trade and International Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture in Brazil, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference. Luís explains that Brazil has reduced deforestation of the Amazon by 45% and the Forum was an opportunity to highlight some of Brazil’s initiatives for more sustainable production. He believes that Brazil can be a promoter of a “geopolitics of peace” by providing food, energy, and climate security to the world.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Felipe Ortega Schlingmann

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Felipe Ortega Schlingmann from the European Investment Bank (EIB), during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference.  Felipe advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability in farming, starting with profitability and social sustainability in rural areas to make them attractive again, linking this to sustainable farming within planetary boundaries. He explains that traditional approaches need to be complemented by smart, innovative finance mechanisms that blend public and private funds.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference: Interview with Roman Tarnovsky

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast, Alex Turk talks to Roman Tarnovsky, Vice President, Sustainability Solutions and Strategic Partnerships at Indigo, during an interview at this year's Forum for the Future of Agriculture Annual Conference.  They discuss Indigo's focus on making growers profitable and sustainable, but how it is essential to earn the trust of farmers so that they can benefit from innovations.

Insights from the Forum’s Annual Conference 2025: Interview with Janez Potočnik

In the latest edition of the Food Systems Podcast, the official podcast of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, Alex Turk talks to Janez Potočnik, Chairman of the Forum, during an interview at this year’s Annual Conference about the evolution of the Forum, the critical need for systemic change in food systems, and the urgent environmental challenges facing our planet.

Inside the Forum: Reflecting back and looking forward with Mark Titterington and Alex Turk

In this edition of the Food Systems Podcast,  the official podcast of the Forum for the Future of Agriculture, Alex Turk talks to Mark Titterington about his involvement with the Forum, what have been the most significant changes he has seen in recent years, and what is next for the Forum and him personally. Discussions range from, the inclusion of the new partners to the Call to Action, and the work in progress on Financing the Transition. Tune in to listen to Mark’s insights on what has inspired him and gives him hope for the future of sustainable agriculture.

In discussion with Jacques Naudé

In this edition we talk to Jacques Naudé, founder of Joseph’s Dream in Portugal, who were awarded a diploma of recognition in the recent Land and Soil Management Award. We discuss with Jacques how the project is bringing new life to abandoned lands through the use of permaculture, organic agriculture, and holistic land management. Anchored in a cooperative model with a strong social commitment, the project revitalises degraded soils and contributes to rural regeneration.