COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Thematic session on Transfer of Technology:

Monday, 25 November 2024 (15h00)

(Room W, interprefy)

Note by the Secretariat[1]

Following the thematic sessions on Transfer of Technology on 21 May and 24 September this year, the WTO Secretariat is organizing a third session on 25 November, in the margins of the November 2024 meeting of the Committee on Agriculture (the Committee).

background and objectives of the thematic sessions

At its September and November 2023 meetings, the Committee discussed the African Group's submission on "The Role of Transfer of Technology in Resilience Building: Agriculture" (_G/AG/W/238 and other symbols). As part of a series of submissions[2] by the African Group to various WTO bodies on the topic of trade and technology transfer, the submission highlights the significant role technology transfer can play in building agricultural resilience to face food security crises and confronting climate change through the adoption of sustainable agriculture and food production systems. It aims at generating a structured discussion on how to make technology transfer more relevant to building agricultural resilience in the face of recurring food security challenges that disproportionately affect import dependent developing and least developed countries, most of which are in the African continent.

Members acknowledged that agriculture technologies have the potential to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, for instance, by enhancing crop yields through better mechanization, improved varieties, or more efficient irrigation and water management systems. It was noted that to ensure long-term sustainability of the productivity improvements, such technologies should also assist in reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture and promoting sustainable food production. The relevance of biotechnology was also acknowledged. Furthermore, agriculture technologies could facilitate farmers' access to information including through digital means, thereby enabling their informed decisions on crop management, market trends, and resilience-building.

Members also discussed various channels for technology transfer and ways to enhance its effectiveness, including through improved technology absorption and diffusion. It was noted that Members could share experiences and exchange views on what constitutes an effective and impactful channel for transfer, considering the specific conditions and constraints of developing and least-developed countries. Other issues raised in the discussions included the importance of enabling conditions, both internationally and within recipient countries, such as a robust intellectual property rights regime and regulatory framework; the capacity of producers in recipient countries to absorb and apply new technologies; potential barriers to technology diffusion; and the relevance of support measures, like extension services, in facilitating technology transfer and driving technological advancement.

The Committee agreed at the November 2023 meeting to organize thematic sessions in 2024 to explore the potential contribution of technology transfer to food security, including through the sharing of country experiences. At the Committee's informal meeting on 17 April 2024, Members shared further reflections and concrete suggestions on the proposed thematic sessions, including on its programme and participation.[3]

first thematic session – 21 May 2024

The first session took place in a hybrid mode (presential and remote participation) on 21 May 2024, the day before the Committee meeting in May. The session benefited from a variety of perspectives and expertise, featuring experts from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, which is part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the World Farmers' Organization. In addition, experts from several Members shared reflections and experiences on the subject (see programme in _G/AG/GEN/234/Rev.1).

The experts delved into fundamental conceptual issues regarding the notion and definition of agricultural technologies, including their scope and various types, which helped lay the foundation for further discussions. They also shed light on issues related to the creation of technologies and their dissemination and absorption across the farm value chain. The discussions also covered the potential contribution of agricultural technologies in attracting investment, boosting productivity, and enhancing resilience. In particular, experts emphasized the critical role of the CGIAR system in producing common goods and contributing to innovative solutions for agriculture. Other issues highlighted by the experts included the technological needs and challenges associated with smallholder farmers, and the importance of strengthening their capacities to adapt and build resilience against weather variability and climate change. More information, including presentations delivered, can be found at the website developed by the Secretariat for the May 2024 session.

At the Committee meeting in May, Members expressed appreciation for the thematic session and called for continued exchanges on this topic. It was noted that the first session highlighted the transformative potential of agricultural technologies and that significant work remains to connect these insights more directly to the objectives of the Agreement on Agriculture, the broader WTO framework, and ongoing Committee discussions. Members also emphasized the importance of sharing experiences on relevant projects and initiatives related to technology transfer and agricultural resilience.[4]

second thematic session – 24 september 2024

As in May, the thematic session in September was conducted in a hybrid mode with interpretation, allowing for remote participation from around the world. The session also benefitted from a variety of perspectives and expertise, including presentations by experts from intergovernmental organizations and research institutions, and experience-sharing by WTO Members, businesses, and farmers associations.

The session aimed to build on the discussions from May, bringing together experts from the FAO, World Farmers' Organization, and IDH - an organization promoting international collaborative efforts for inclusive and sustainable agriculture and trade. The session focused on key aspects of agricultural technology and innovation, including the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Discussions also highlighted farmers' on‑the‑ground experiences with new technologies, particularly in Africa, and the critical role of agrologistics in connecting producers in developing countries to global markets. Several Members also made presentations at the session and provided valuable insights into the issue of technology transfer in agriculture, facilitating a discussion on the full life cycle of agricultural innovation, from its generation to its eventual adoption by farmers. More information, including presentations delivered, can be found at the website developed by the Secretariat for the September 2024 session.

At the September Committee meeting, Members acknowledged the rich deliberations at the second thematic session. The importance of translating these discissions into concrete deliverables within the WTO framework was also emphasized.[5]

third thematic session – 25 november 2024

During the first two thematic sessions, Members acknowledged the crucial role of the CGIAR system —a global research partnership and innovation network— in catalyzing agricultural innovation and technology through high-quality research, partnerships, and leadership. Members also recognized CGIAR's contributions to global food security, agricultural resilience, improved human health and nutrition, and sustainable resource management. At the first thematic session in May 2024, a representative from one of the CGIAR centres joined the panel discussions. For the upcoming November session, the CGIAR Executive Managing Director has agreed to address Members, highlighting the role of agricultural technologies, innovation, and CGIAR's engagement with diverse stakeholders.

In addition, a few Members will share their experiences with projects and initiatives related to technology transfer and agricultural resilience. A detailed program for the November thematic session is provided in the annex to this note.

As with previous sessions, the November session will be conducted in a hybrid format with interpretation services available.