During the visit to Cornell University, QU Dongyu emphasizes the important role of young people in the transformation of the agri-food system

Ithaca, New York – FAO Director General QU Dongyu visited Cornell University and its food and agriculture research center, Cornell AgriTech – a place where science, innovation and transformation of the agri-food system come together.

Qu was introduced to the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and its various departments dedicated to the study of agricultural sciences. Faculty members from programs such as the School of Integrative Plant Science, Department of Global Development, Animal Science Department and Integrated Pest Management Program presented a brief summary of their fields.

CALS strives to create tangible impact for communities and contribute to achieving a more just, sustainable and food secure world. With more than 150 years of expertise, CALS is a leading example of how integrated research and science can strengthen food safety efforts and agri-food system transformation. The courses equip students with knowledge and practical skills to tackle challenges in food security and agriculture.

“We must prepare for the future. We must prepare the young generation for the future together,” Qu told university staff.

The Director General was later welcomed to Cornell AgriTech, New York State’s agricultural experiment station, where he witnessed the convergence of agricultural science research and experimentation.

Qu observed a demonstration of autonomous robots in the research fields, a project that demonstrates how robots, artificial intelligence and digital technologies can improve agricultural practices, in this case using remote sensing and plant disease detection. During the tour, he also saw young students learning and training to become the next generation of scientists.

“FAO always works with farmers because they are essential, and they are everywhere. Wherever you are in the world. That’s why universities play such an important role in transforming our agri-food systems. We need more young people to learn agriculture, learn to farm,” the director general said.

“FAO wants to go beyond conceptualization and focus on institutionalization through partnerships with academic institutions,” he added. Qu continued: FAO invests not only in training young scientists, but also in young farmers to become leaders of tomorrow. This starts with bridging the rural-urban divide and investing in infrastructure and access to digital technologies in rural areas.

The young generation can help tackle some of these key problems in the agricultural and food systems, by finding solutions to regenerate the countryside and green the city. “Our Green Cities Initiative explores how we can build a future city that is connected to the agri-food system and the environment. We need a new type of city,” Qu said.

The Director General was also later briefed by PhD students studying topics such as fiber hemp breeding and genetics, apple pathology and weed management. This discussion spotlighted how young people were making progress in agricultural sciences in their individual fields, but with the common goal of achieving a better food future for all.