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SAWiE at the 3rd Global Sustainable Rice Conference 2024: Driving
The 3rd Global Sustainable Rice Conference 2024, organized by the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), convened global leaders, experts, policymakers, and innovators to advance sustainable rice practices. The event served as a platform to address critical challenges like greenhouse gas emissions, food security, and smallholder livelihoods, while exploring opportunities to enhance sustainability across the rice value chain.
Key Highlights from the Conference
- Decarbonization and Sustainability Standards
- Green Climate Fund: Initiatives to empower 45,000 farmers in adopting sustainable practices.
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI): Focused on decarbonization and water sustainability, contributing to the development of SRP standards.
- Market Trends and Regulations
- Discussions on the impact of the EU Green Deal and EUDR on rice value chains, highlighting the growing demand for SRP-verified rice in global markets.
- Insights from industry leaders like Mars Food and LT Foods Europe, emphasizing traceability and sustainability compliance as market differentiators.
- Innovative Technologies
- Introduction of technologies like CleanRise® for methane reduction and zero-burning practices for sustainable farming.
- Initiatives empowering women farmers and enhancing nitrogen efficiency were showcased.
- Collaborative Financing Models
- Blended finance models were highlighted to address funding gaps and promote low-emission technologies.
- Public-private partnerships were presented as pivotal for scaling sustainable practices globally.
SAWiE’s Active Participation
Representing SAWiE, we actively contributed to discussions, highlighting our expertise in digital advisory services and exploring collaboration opportunities:
- Engagement with Panelists
- Presented SAWiE’s achievements and emphasized its digital solutions for sustainability before asking impactful questions to panelists.
- Advocated for blended finance models for scaling sustainable practices in low-income countries.
- Collaboration Opportunities
- Proposed translating SAWiE’s app into Thai to support traceability for Thai farmers in partnership with Mars Food.
- Showcased SAWiE’s expertise in digital traceability and advisory services, opening doors for partnerships with organizations like FAO, IRRI, and private sector leaders.
- Networking and Advocacy
- Engaged with key stakeholders, including government officials, private organizations, and industry experts, emphasizing SAWiE’s role in advancing sustainable agriculture.
Key Learnings and Next Steps
- Market Potential: The rising demand for SRP-verified rice offers a significant market opportunity for sustainable producers.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in smallholder-friendly tools, methane reduction, and empowering women farmers can drive inclusivity and sustainability.
- Finance and Policy: Collaborating with governments and organizations on blended finance models can ensure the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Global Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with SRP members and adapting services for international markets are crucial for expanding impact.
Our Vision for the Future
SAWiE is committed to supporting the global transition to sustainable rice production. By aligning with SRP’s vision and collaborating with key stakeholders, we aim to integrate cutting-edge digital solutions and traceability services into global value chains. Together, we can empower farmers, enhance productivity, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to lead in sustainable agricultural innovations!