Advancing Green Agriculture 2025 Recap (Part 1)
On the 9th May 2025, over eighty people from ten countries touched down in Melbourne for Dr. Xia (Emma) Liang, Dr. Enjiang Cheng and Professor Deli Chen’s Advancing Green Agriculture Symposium.
What started out as a frosty and early morning for our organisers and volunteers, quickly turned into one of enthusiasm at what the day had on offer. Scientists, government officials, industry leaders, policy makers, civil society organisations, economists and financiers all came through the door at Melbourne Connect at the University of Melbourne, took their cups of tea and found a round table to begin in the forum theatre. They were joined by some of the brightest minds from our own University of Melbourne, and it became apparent we didn’t quite have enough seats. The room was full to the brim, everyone curious and eager to start the talks.
Pro Vice Chancellor Adrian Little from the University of Melbourne opened the day with an acknowledgement of country and a warm welcome. Dr. Zhong Wu Director-General from the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation, Dr. James Quilty General Manager of Research at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Dr. Lifeng Li Director of the Land and Water Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Ms Ai Li Program Officer of the Ford Foundation all gave inspiring opening addresses. Chaired by the Dr. Celina Yu Founding Managing Director, Edvantage Institute Australia & Global Business College of Australia.
The former Chief Scientist of Australia Prof. Robin Batterham and recent FAA Prof Deli Chen kicked off the keynote speeches and looked at ways we can reduce our carbon and nitrogen emissions and how these two greenhouse gases (GHG) are currently measured. Prof Batterham spoke on how carbon is stored in the soil with deep rooted plant varieties, whilst Prof Chen showed how having a Nitrogen index rooted in science could help establish a marketable product and build confidence in consumers. Prof. William R Howarth from UC Davis, California and Prof Kevin Chen from Zhejiang University, China, were both keen to convey mitigation measures for GHG emissions. Prof. Howarth focused on policy and law and how that primary change has led to changes in irrigation and subsequently reducing N2O and CO2 emissions. Prof. Chen is based in the dairy sector and although there are ways to mitigate emissions from dairy, are these measures economically attractive to farmers? Or can the industry find a sweet spot where mitigation measures benefit farmers and the environment? On the edge of the theatre several early career researchers or PhD student volunteers, observed what may be their future selves or where they may aspire to be. Some may be inspired by current ideas and programs from the Symposium and build on them to generate new directions, forging their own career path towards making a difference in creating a more sustainable agricultural landscape across the globe.
What started out as an idea to host brilliant Agricultural and Soil Science minds from across the Asia pacific region and beyond, became not only a celebration of ideas and knowledge but a push towards a common purpose.
Part 2 of our event recap is now live on our website, and stay up to date with upcoming events through our mailing list and Hub socials!
