Agri4D 2025 sparks global dialogue on regenerative food systems

A Convergence of Minds at SLU’s Ultuna Campus

Following several years in a virtual format, the Agri4D conference returned to be a physical platform, convening researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe. Against the backdrop of crisp autumn air and a sunlit campus, this year’s event—centred on the theme “Nurturing Regenerative Food Systems in a Changing Climate”—fostered meaningful exchange and renewed in-person collaboration.

The opening day set the tone for a week of insight and inspiration. As participants reconnected with familiar colleagues and welcomed new perspectives, the conference atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and shared purpose.

Setting the Stage: Calls for Sustainable Rural Development

Wednesday marked the official launch of the conference, with welcoming remarks from SLU Vice-Chancellor Maria Knutson Wedel, State Secretary for Rural Affairs Daniel Liljeberg, and Director-General Jakob Granit at Sida. Their addresses underscored a shared commitment to sustainable rural development and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in navigating climate and food system challenges.

Engaging with Diverse Perspectives and Knowledge Systems

The intellectual heart of the conference began with keynote speaker Professor Miguel A. Altieri of UC Berkeley and the Centro LatinoAmericano de Investigaciones Agroecológicas (CELIA). Emphasizing agroecology as both a science and a tradition rooted in generational farming knowledge, Altieri called for a “dialogue of wisdoms” that honours both academic research and farmer expertise.

Professor Nitya Rao from the University of East Anglia followed with a compelling address on the gendered dimensions of agricultural systems. Rao spotlighted the double marginalization faced by women farmers, arguing that addressing these embedded inequalities is essential for inclusive and equitable food system transformation.

These sessions sparked dynamic debate among participants, reflecting the value of intellectual friction and diverse viewpoints as drivers of innovation. As one attendee noted, “Intellectual diversity—like biodiversity—is necessary for progress.”

Innovation Meets Creativity

Beyond formal discussions, Agri4D 2025 offered space for creative reflection. Sessions such as a guided meditation on the lifecycle of a seed and participatory art workshops highlighted the importance of embracing vulnerability and imperfection in innovation. Meanwhile, hybrid formats allowed for broad global participation, with online sessions ensuring inclusivity for those unable to attend in person.

Resilience Through Diversity

By the conference’s close, one message had crystallised: diversity—in all its forms—is fundamental to resilience in agriculture. Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted of CGIAR illustrated how diversified diets address both malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

In the UK context, integrating solar energy into farm systems showcased how income diversification can strengthen ecological and economic sustainability.

Innovations such as biochar production using sugarcane waste and even treated sewage further demonstrated the power of circular approaches. Some participants explored hands-on demonstrations of novel technologies, including the transformation of human waste into valuable agricultural inputs—pushing boundaries and challenging conventional paradigms.

Translating Ideas into Action

In closing sessions, panelists turned to the challenge of real-world application. Discussions centred on how to effectively communicate complex scientific knowledge to broader audiences, with many noting the risk of oversimplification in media coverage. Encouragingly, early-career researchers expressed enthusiasm for engaging with the public through articles, blogs, and outreach activities.

Reflecting on the conference, one participant shared: “My brain feels like a chaotic ecosystem, filled with diverse and competing ideas—but that’s the point. Diversity is what will enable us to cultivate regenerative food systems amidst uncertainty.”

The Journey Continues

A follow-up blog post capturing key takeaways and lessons will be published in the coming days, offering continued insights for those invested in the future of sustainable agriculture.