Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we speak with Genevieve Donnellon-May, Associate Fellow at the Institute for Security and Development Policy, about what food security really means—and why it is increasingly viewed as a pillar of national and regional security across Asia.

Genevieve explains the four dimensions of food security and discusses how geopolitical tensions, fertilizer supply disruptions, and maritime trade chokepoints could reshape regional food resilience. She also shares insights on the proposed ASEAN+5 food security framework, including expanding emergency reserves beyond rice, diversifying supply sources, and strengthening climate adaptation cooperation. The conversation highlights the growing role of regional trade, technology, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing Asia’s persistent food security challenges.

Tune in for a timely discussion on the risks and opportunities shaping the future of food security in the region.

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we speak with Jack Bobo, Executive Director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, about how technology, psychology, and communication shape the future of food.

Jack—whose work spans food policy, science communication, and global consumer insights—shares his thoughts on why people are more anxious about their food than ever before, even as it’s never been safer. He discusses how misinformation and polarization have become the greatest threats to solving challenges like food security and climate change, and how better storytelling can help rebuild public trust.

The conversation explores:

• Why “our food has never been safer—and yet people are more concerned than ever”
• How global trends, from climate change to shifting demographics, are transforming what and how we eat
• Why we’re living through a historic shift from “more food” to “better food”
• How his “Nudge the Planet” initiative helps bridge divides through better science communication
• The balance between land sharing and land sparing, and how trade-offs define sustainability
• Why historical context matters when we talk about progress and innovation

Jack also reminds us that optimism has a place in the food conversation: while challenges remain, humanity has made incredible progress—childhood mortality is at its lowest point, hunger rates have fallen dramatically, and innovation has spared over a billion hectares of forest.

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we speak with Dr. Anastasia Volkova, CEO and co-founder of Regrow Ag, a global leader in climate and agriculture technology.

Anastasia shares how Regrow evolved from academic research into a platform helping companies and farmers build resilience across their supply chains. She explains why sustainability, profitability, and resilience are inseparable—and why agriculture can only be sustainable if farmers can make a living from it.

The conversation highlights the climate challenges facing Asia’s smallholder farmers, the findings of Regrow’s State of Agricultural Resilience report, and why high concern paired with uneven preparedness is a warning sign for global food systems.

Anastasia also breaks down how AI and machine learning—from satellite-based modeling to Regrow’s new “Plan AI” tool—are transforming agricultural decision-making by turning complex data into actionable insights.

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we sit down with David MacGibbon, CEO of Sipcam New Zealand and board member of the Animal and Plant Health Association of New Zealand, to discuss the role of innovation, regulation, and investment in shaping the future of agriculture.

David shares insights into New Zealand’s dual role as a small nation and a global food powerhouse — feeding over 400 million people each month — and why innovation and smarter regulatory frameworks are vital to keeping its agri-food sector globally competitive.

The conversation explores:

• How regulatory backlogs are slowing access to next-generation agricultural products
• Why innovation “won’t wait for promises” and how New Zealand can regain confidence from global R&D investors
• The importance of balanced, science-based regulation that protects safety while enabling progress
• The impact of policy initiatives like “Going for Growth” on the future of New Zealand’s agtech landscape
• What’s at stake if reform doesn’t happen — and what success could look like

With candid reflections and a forward-looking perspective, David outlines how decisive action, innovation, and proportionate regulation can help New Zealand remain a world leader in agricultural productivity and sustainability.

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we speak with Dr. Steven Webb, Executive Director and CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), about what it truly means to achieve food security in a changing world.

They explore:

• Why “food security is national security”
• The need for localized, systems-based solutions instead of one-size-fits-all approaches
• How innovation, regulatory reform, and technology adoption can unlock sustainable productivity
• Lessons from Canada’s success in reducing carbon footprints through agricultural innovation
• The crucial role of global trade, collaboration, and farmer empowerment in tackling hunger

Dr. Webb shares why the solutions to food security are “in front of us, not behind us,” and how science, policy, and partnerships must come together to feed a growing world responsibly.

Jade Dyson, Director at Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA), joins us to unpack the role of fair trade, regulatory alignment, and inclusive policymaking in strengthening food security across Asia. From market access and sustainability to gender equity in agriculture, Jade brings a wide-lens view of the systems shaping our region’s food future.

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In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we sit down with Malu Nachreiner,Head of Asia of the Crop Science Division at Bayer, to discuss food security in Asia. Malu shares her insights into the growing challenges of food security in the region and highlights the critical role of collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities. 

Learn about the innovative solutions and partnerships that are shaping the future of food systems, and why it’s essential to work together to ensure sustainable access to nutritious food for all.

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In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions, we sit down with Paul Luxton, Head of Asia at Syngenta, to discuss the future of rice farming in Asia. As climate change, labor shortages, and economic pressures challenge food security, Paul shares insights into how innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships are driving solutions. From digital tools empowering smallholder farmers to groundbreaking collaborations boosting crop yields, this conversation highlights the path forward for a more resilient agricultural sector.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and food security.

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In this episode, Michael Keller, Secretary General of the International Seed Federation, explores the pivotal role that seeds play in global agriculture. He delves into the critical importance of high-quality seeds and the cutting-edge technologies poised to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Keller also emphasizes the value of robust public-private partnerships, underscoring the need for effective regulatory frameworks that ensure farmers have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive.

In this episode, Sasireka Rajendran, Asia Regional Manager at the Minor Use Foundation, explores the world of minor use crops—specialty crops that often face unique challenges in agriculture. She delves into the struggles that small-scale and specialty crop growers encounter, the regulatory hurdles they must navigate, and the policy solutions that can help support these vital crops. With a focus on sustainability, Sasireka discusses how targeted frameworks can empower farmers to produce nutritious food, benefiting global food security in the process.