Global experts praise China for innovations in sustainable agriculture

Global experts praised China's innovation in sustainable agriculture at the first United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Global Exhibition in Rome, Italy, acknowledging its contribution to linking ecological protection with rural revitalization.

The exhibition, themed "From Seeds to Foods", was held from Friday to Monday. As part of the World Food Day Global Celebration and the 80th anniversary of the FAO, the exhibition gathered more than 200 exhibitors from 140 countries, presenting more than 500 agricultural products spanning crops, livestock, forestry and aquaculture.

The Geographical Indications Environment & Sustainability System, developed by the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was showcased at the exhibition. The system integrates geospatial tracing, big data, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence tools to protect the ecological foundations of geographical indication products.

As one of FAO Asia-Pacific's three knowledge platforms of "One Country One Priority Product", the system now supports 26 demonstration sites across China, advancing eco-friendly production, value addition, and consumer trust in specialty agricultural products.

Ken Shimizu, a FAO Bhutan and Nepal representative, said that Bhutan and Nepal are the first countries in the world besides China to use the system to support the implementation of the "One Country One Priority Product" project.

"It will greatly benefit quinoa farmers in Bhutan, large cardamom farmers in Nepal, as well as the origin environment of these products," Shimizu said. "Thanks to the institute for the free transfer of GIES technology and capacity building for the two countries, and for continuing the long-term cooperation between us."

Indonesian Minister for National Development Planning and Head of the National Development Planning Agency Rachmat Pambudy said that the application of GIES methodology "is expected to contribute to enhancing the recognition, value and marketability of special agricultural products, as well as showcasing their unique regional characteristics".

He added that Indonesia is initiating the comprehensive application of GIES to drive agricultural modernization.

Wang Shenglin, deputy director of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, said that the system represents China's commitment to science-driven sustainability.

"It transforms local agricultural knowledge into globally traceable, environmentally responsible value chains — an approach that embodies FAO's vision of 'Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life'," Wang added.