International crop science conference tackled how to innovate to offer solutions for food security under climate change impact

(SEOUL, South Korea, 18 October 2022) – Innovation in crop science research became front and center in the international event organized to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korea Society of Crop Science (KSCS). KSCS, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Rural Development Administration of Korea (RDA) and the Korea University held the International Crop Science Conference titled “Innovative Direction of Crop Science Research for Food Security” at Korea University from 13 October to 14 October 2022.

Over 400 participants from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America attended the two-day conference and explored the themes of innovative genomics research on staple crops such as rice.

In his welcome remarks, KOICA Vice President Yun-Young Lee congratulated KSCS’s 60th anniversary, being at the forefront of crop science research, and encouraged international cooperation on innovative agriculture for global food security. “It is necessary to pursue comprehensive and integrated approaches to deal with the global food crisis caused by climate change, wars or pandemic. For the SDGs and global value achievement, the Korean government has increased the official development assistance (ODA) aid. In order to implement the ODA operations, KOICA funds USD 60 million per year to the agriculture and fisheries programs, which aim a) inclusive and sustainable rural development; b) promoting agriculture fishing industry and its value chain; and c) climate change resilient agriculture and fisheries production system as well as conservation of natural resources,” said Vice President Lee.

“IRRI, for years, has been working with the government of Korea to find innovative ways to strengthen the country’s rice sector. This partnership, which catalyzed the use of technologies like rapid multiplication of seeds and the exchanging of rice genetic materials…