Experts focus on climate adaptation at the International Wheat Congress 2024
The 3rd International Wheat Congress 2024 in Perth gathered over 950 delegates to address climate change and global wheat production challenges. Experts discussed various research topics, including genomics and sustainability, emphasizing real-world outcomes. Keynote speakers highlighted Australia’s role in the global wheat market and the importance of international collaboration for developing new wheat varieties. The congress included sessions on climate-smart research, wheat quality, and trade opportunities, showcasing the collective effort needed to enhance food security and farmer profitability.
Perth, Australia: The 3rd International Wheat Congress 2024 (IWC 2024) united over 950 delegates from 52 countries, fostering the exchange of research insights and strategies to tackle global wheat production’s most urgent challenges.
Murdoch University hosted the five-day event, featuring 58 speakers, 35 panellists, 134 workshop presenters, and over 380 poster presentations from experts in the global wheat community. The Congress covered the entire wheat value chain, offering insights into various aspects.
Delegates explored research topics spanning genomics, pre-breeding, end-use quality, and trade. They discussed how these innovations could boost climate adaptation, strengthen resilience against diseases and pests, enhance global food security, promote sustainability in agriculture, and ultimately increase farmer profitability.
In the Inaugural Session, Congress Chair and Director of Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Prof. Rajeev Varshney urged delegates to look beyond research and focus on achieving real-world outcomes. He emphasised, “This congress is not just a meeting of minds; it’s a catalyst for action.”
Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Deeks, welcomed delegates to the Congress and Western Australia. He highlighted the University’s 50-year legacy in agricultural science and its ongoing commitment to advancing wheat research.
Heather Brayford, Director General of the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, then offered insights specific to Western Australia. She highlighted challenges local farmers face, such as producing “more grain with less rain.”
Nigel Hart, Managing Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, presented Australia’s position in the global wheat market. He noted the strengths of Australian grain growers in productivity while addressing challenges like rising costs and market access.
Adding to this, Prof. Wendy Umberger, CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, discussed Australia’s role in boosting agricultural productivity in the region. She explained how improving productivity helps reduce poverty and enhances global food security.
Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), offered international perspectives. He emphasised the importance of open borders for scientific collaboration, stating, “In the last decade, collaborative efforts in wheat breeding have led to the release of over 300 wheat varieties in more than 27 countries.”
Prof. Peter Langridge, Chair of the Scientific Board of the Wheat Initiative in Germany, concluded the session. He provided an overview of the Wheat Initiative’s key programmes and stressed the importance of equitable access to new research approaches, particularly for researchers in the Global South.
Key Focus Areas
Over the next four days, the Congress held 10 plenary sessions on various topics. These included climate-smart wheat research, advancements in wheat quality, end-use processing, and value addition. Delegates gained exposure to groundbreaking research approaches crucial for addressing climate change, increasing wheat yield, and promoting sustainable production.
Delegates also heard perspectives from international breeding and trade organisations on the global wheat market. Discussions covered reducing regulatory barriers, shifting consumer preferences, and new market opportunities, providing a comprehensive view of the global wheat landscape.
The Congress highlighted the international wheat community’s eagerness for collaboration. From multinational research initiatives to grassroots farmer-scientist partnerships, delegates saw numerous examples of how collective efforts amplify the impact of research.
Source Link : https://agriculturepost.com/agri-research/experts-focus-on-climate-change-at-the-international-wheat-congress/
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