The 2024 World Agrifood Innovation Conference (WAFI 2024) is bringing sustainability to the forefront with innovative practices that advocate for low-carbon transitions in agrifood systems. Among its pioneering initiatives, the conference has introduced plantable leaflets made from renewable resources embedded with seeds. Attendees are encouraged to soak these leaflets, plant them in soil, and nurture them until flowers bloom.
“It’s a way to promote waste reuse and environmental protection,” said Xing Luting, a participant from the Shanghai Agricultural Sci-tech Service Center, who took ten leaflets back to her colleagues. The initiative transforms traditional conference materials, often discarded after single use, into living plants, embodying the conference’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Participants from around the world have embraced these green initiatives. “Now they have been given a new lease of life,” remarked Ravindra Dekate from India, who focuses on waste reuse. Throughout the venue, attendees encounter low-carbon tips such as using reusable bottles, prioritizing public transport, and opting for digital documents, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices.
The conference has gathered approximately 800 experts from over 70 countries and regions, focusing on low-carbon transitions in agrifood systems through scientific and technological innovation to address climate change. “We are committed to a green conference model,” stated Fu Wenge, secretary-general of the advisory board of the conference and a professor at China Agricultural University (CAU).
China’s dedication to green and sustainable development is underscored by its commitments to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. “To meet these goals, green practices should permeate all aspects of life and work, including conferences,” Fu emphasized. “Holding a conference with a green concept is a good opportunity to showcase how China, as a populous nation, demonstrates its low-carbon philosophy through practical actions.”
The sustainability efforts extend to the dining experience at WAFI 2024, featuring a buffet with a variety of plant-based options. A significant portion of the meat alternatives is provided by DeePro Technology, a Chinese food tech company. Their plant-protein meat substitutes replace 60 to 70 percent of traditional meat in catering, closely mimicking the flavors and textures of dishes like sauced beef and luncheon meat.
“It’s really useful that the conference is providing that,” said James Sharp, a participant from the UK Department for Business and Trade, appreciating the initiative. He added that it is a powerful way to inspire changes among attendees. Zhang Wei, founder of DeePro Technology, highlighted the multiple benefits of their plant-based protein, noting that their food products address food shortages and reduce the carbon footprint of animal agriculture.
Additionally, 90 percent of the food served at the conference is locally sourced, minimizing transportation-induced carbon emissions, according to Fu. A low-carbon-themed recreational running campaign was also held during the conference to encourage attendees to embrace sustainable lifestyles and commit to eco-friendly choices. “Our concept for the conference is to go green in every aspect,” Fu stressed, underscoring that raising awareness about sustainability is key to achieving transformative change.
Initiated in 2023, WAFI aims to serve as a world-class platform for advancing global agrifood innovation. The conference is co-organized by the government of Pinggu District of Beijing, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, CAU, and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
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Plantable leaflets showcase low-carbon concept at WAFI 2024 conference
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