Second Global Conference on Biofortification Attracts High Profile Speakers and Over 100 Organizations
Over 100 organizations will be participating in the Second Global Conference on Biofortification, which takes place from March 31 to April 2, 2014, in Kigali, Rwanda. Drawn from Government, business and civil society, these organizations constitute vital stakeholders in the effort to get nutritious food crops to more people in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Designed as a global consultation, the conference incorporates plenaries, panel discussions and presentations through which conference participants will discuss how best to scale up the delivery of nutritious crops and mainstream biofortification. Also planned are field visits to allow participants to engage directly with Rwandan farmers and markets dealing with nutritious crops such as iron beans and orange sweet potatoes.
The conference has attracted high level keynote speakers, including globally acclaimed agricultural reformers Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Professor M.S. Swaminathan. Dr. Adesina, the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, is a champion of agricultural growth and innovation in Africa, and was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2013. Dr. Swaminathan is widely regarded as the father of the Green Revolution in India, and is a powerful advocate of sustainable agriculture and food security.
Other notable keynote speakers from the Government of Rwanda, which is hosting the event, are also expected. More information about this global consultation, including background materials, blogs and videos, are available on the conference website.