DATE AND VENUE

21-23 November 2023
Venue: Jianguo Hotel, Guangzhou, China

THEME

Smart Technologies and Innovations for A Responsible and Sustainable Tropical Fruit Industry

SYMPOSIUM BACKGROUND

It is projected that by 2050, most developing countries require increasing food production by 60% to cater to the food requirements of 9 billion people. Innovation is imminent in agricultural systems as production of food crops continue to lag in meeting the demands of a burgeoning population. Tropical fruit production systems are not excluded.

The birth of smart farming technologies signals the advent of a new era for agriculture and has led to the transformation of agri-food systems. Smart farming incorporates components such as IoT (Internet of Things) devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, autonomous robots and drones, all of which can lead to better utilization and management of natural resources, inputs, land, and resources such as labour.

There is a need for the tropical fruit industry to move away from status quo and adapt.

These present-day scenarios set the scene for the forthcoming 2023 International Symposium on Tropical Fruits which carries the theme “Smart Technologies and Innovations for A Responsible and Sustainable Tropical Fruit Industry”. The symposium hopes to respond to challenges in embracing innovations, especially in resource-poor nations.

The symposium is organized by the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) and the Fruit Tree Research Institute (FTRI) of the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GDAAS), China, and co-organized by CABI Southeast Asia and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).

AIM

The objective of ISTF 2023 is to generate interest in the adoption of smart farming technologies to boost and sustain tropical fruits production, market, and trade.  Specifically, it aims to:

  1. Assemble, review and share the latest scientific research, private sector technology developments and best practices on to incorporate smart farming in tropical fruit production;
  2. Assess new innovations used in tropical fruits supply/value chains
  3. Identify knowledge gaps, research needs and new opportunities in smart farming for tropical fruit stakeholders;
  4. Share expertise to empower startups and new industry players.
  5. Establish networking among stakeholders

THEMATIC AREAS

  1. Best Practices and Innovations to optimize farming efficiency and Increase Productivity;
  2. Innovations in breeding methods and new varieties promoting production and quality;
  3. Innovations to integrate smallholders into Value Chains and enhance market access;
  4. Consumer Trends and Expansion of Tropical Fruits in the Global Market;
  5. Postharvest Innovations for quality management and value addition;
  6. Climate Smart Agricultural Practices for Tropical Fruits Production;
  7. Responsible Business Conduct for Tropical Fruit Value Chains;
  8. Effective pest and disease management through monitoring devices and models;
  9. Automation and robotics, innovative equipment and machinery, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence and efficient farm systems;
  10. Lowering environmental footprint and increasing productivity through good practices and innovations.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

  • Researchers and scientists
  • Government representatives
  • Representatives from international organizations
  • Representatives from NGOs and civil societies
  • Producers, agro-entrepreneurs, and members of cooperatives
  • Other private sector stakeholders
  • Students

REGISTRATION FEE

Local Chinese (RMB)
International (USD)
Students
1,200
100
TFNet Members
2,000
250
Non-members
2,000
300*/350

*300 USD for citizens of TFNet Member Countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Vietnam.

FIELD VISIT

Additional Charge: TBA

Sites:
Conghua Litchi Culture Expo Park

PUBLICATION

The main document that will be produced are symposium proceedings (with e-ISBN), including a compilation of key presentations and other information materials. The proceedings will be indexed in CAB Abstracts and Google Scholar.