On June 3, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) co-organized the China and Global Agricultural Policy Forum in Beijing. The China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2020 (CASDR) and 2020 Global Food Policy Report were launched by CAAS and IFPRI at the forum, respectively.

Mr. Tang Huajun, President of CAAS, pointed out that “San Nong” (agriculture, rural areas and farmers) plays irreplaceable roles for not only stable production and supply of important agricultural products, but also social stability and winning the battle against COVID-19. “To develop ‘San Nong’ as strategic backyard, to improve agriculture competitiveness, and to lay a solid foundation for agriculture development, we need to compensate for insufficient relating ‘San Nong’ issues, regardless of what ‘heavy responsibilities’ we will take. ” He said.

Dr. Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI, emphasized that inclusive food systems play an important role in all aspects and are essential for creating better economic opportunities for the poor, mitigating the effects of climate change and inspiring innovation. “We need an inclusive food system more than ever, with the global spread of COVID-19.” He added.

Mr. Mei Xurong, Vice President of CAAS launched the China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2020. The CASDR reviews the important events in 2019, including the persistence of trade frictions between China and the United States, the spread of African swine fever, etc. In addition, the report assesses the competitiveness of China’s agricultural industry from the perspectives of total factor productivity, international trade and production cost. The report provides studies on the impact of COVID-19 on China’s agriculture and farmers’ income; research on the recovering of pig production capacity and its key influencing factors; and simulations of the impact of fall armyworm on China’s corn industry in 2020. Moreover, the report predicts that China's grain output will reach 670 million tonnes this year, which will provide strong support for achieving the economic and social development goals for 2020.

Dr. Fan Shenggen, former Director General of IFPRI, launched the 2020 Global Food Policy Report. The report highlights the central role that inclusive food systems play in meeting global goals to end poverty, hunger, and malnutrition, and offers recommendations for making food systems more inclusive for four marginalized groups - smallholders, women, youth, and conflict-affected people. The report also provides analysis on transforming national food system in several countries like Bangladesh and Ethiopia, and advice on development of food system in different regions worldwide.

Special guests including Chen Xiaohua from the CPPCC, Zhang Hongyu from Tsinghua University, He Xiurong from China Agricultural University, Ye Xingqing from the Development Research Center of the State Council and Jiang Changyun from the Institute of Industrial and Technical Economics, National Development and Reform Commission commented on the two reports at the forum. Representatives of organizations such as the FAO, the WFP, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also participated in this event on site.

This forum was first held both on-site and broadcast online, in Chinese and English at the same time, attracting more than 4,000 audiences online, including experts and scholars from all over the world.