China is solidifying its position as a pivotal hub for agricultural innovation, with artificial intelligence and digital technologies driving transformative changes in food production, according to Syngenta Group CEO Jeff Rowe. Speaking to Xinhua during the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Rowe emphasized China's 'tremendous progress' in agricultural productivity and technological adoption over the past decade.
'What we're seeing in the Chinese mainland is a unique convergence of scale, research capabilities, and government support,' said Rowe, whose Switzerland-based company has collaborated extensively with Chinese research institutions. He highlighted advancements in crop resilience technologies and AI-powered precision farming tools currently being tested in provinces like Shandong and Heilongjiang.
The CEO's observations come as global food security remains a key agenda item at the Davos meeting, with multiple sessions addressing climate-resilient agriculture. Analysts note that China's push for agricultural modernization aligns with its 2026 policy priorities, which emphasize food self-sufficiency and sustainable farming practices.
Rowe specifically cited digital soil mapping initiatives and drone-based crop monitoring systems as innovations gaining rapid traction. These developments, he suggested, could offer scalable solutions for other Asian markets facing similar population pressures and environmental challenges.
