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 eatWhy 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 communicationThe balance between land sharing and land sparing, and how trade-offs define sustainabilityWhy historical context matters when we talk about progress and innovationJack 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 productsWhy innovation “won’t wait for promises” and how New Zealand can regain confidence from global R&D investorsThe importance of balanced, science-based regulation that protects safety while enabling progressThe impact of policy initiatives like “Going for Growth” on the future of New Zealand’s agtech landscapeWhat’s at stake if reform doesn’t happen — and what success could look likeWith 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 approachesHow innovation, regulatory reform, and technology adoption can unlock sustainable productivityLessons from Canada’s success in reducing carbon footprints through agricultural innovationThe crucial role of global trade, collaboration, and farmer empowerment in tackling hungerDr. 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.Listen now and subscribe for more industry insights!

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.Listen now and subscribe for more industry insights!

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.🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more industry insights!

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.

In this new episode, we go to the beginning of the food system to talk seeds with Francine Sayoc, Executive Director of The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA). The seed is the start of life, and Francine highlights the importance of educating farmers on the legalities of seeds and the tools that would help farmers with their livelihood. Also, learn about how public-private partnerships are essential in agriculture, both to the farmer, and the food supply chain in this episode.

In this episode, we speak to Erika Balzerelli, founder of The Sustainable Smallholder. Erika highlight the trends and patterns in the challenges that smallholder farmers face, as well as the roles that cultures and traditions can play in the ways of engaging effectively with them. Learn about the importance of engaging smallholder farmers, and how existing technologies paired with an effective system of providing education and accessibility can help improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers, while being sustainable.

In another episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we speak to Khalil Manaf Hegarty, Director of Oxley Hegarty and author of the ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability report to get a different perspective as a trade expert on the landscape of the food systems. In the interview, he speaks about the diversity of food systems, culture and regions, making the idea of "one-size-fits-all" a faulty concept. He also provides context about the EU Green Deal for the food and agriculture industry.

In the newest episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we speak to Prajwal Shahi, Portfolio Advisor – Agriculture, PRISMA, about important innovations that help elevate the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Here, Prajwal highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in pushing agendas forward to alleviate climate change, and also in ensuring a better life for the smallholder farmers.

Another exciting episode with Emily Rees, President and CEO of CropLife International, who speaks to us about agricultural innovation and sustainable food systems, and the linkages to food security and climate change. During the interview, Emily also touches on gender disparity in agriculture, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap to education as one of the key factors to narrow the disparity.

Join us for a new episode for the year where we speak to our first farmer on the show, Adriel Dave “AD” Alvarez, who is a farmer and a member of the Global Farmer Network. AD's past experiences in microfinancing provides a deeper understanding and insight to the farmers' perspectives on the ground, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing farmers in Asia, particularly smallholders. AD also emphasizes the need for better information sharing, technology access, and collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and the public to address issues like climate change and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture.This episode is packed with insights, challenges, and hope for the future of agriculture in Asia. Tune in and get inspired.

In another episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions podcast, we speak to Rahoul Sawani, President, Asia Pacific, Corteva Agriscience, on the importance of agriculture technologies in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and alleviating issues like climate change and how soil health can contribute to that. Rahoul also shares with us initiatives that Corteva Agriscience have spearheaded that targets the issues within food and agriculture, and highlighted the importance of revitalising the agricultural sector with youths and the part that technology would have to play in that. Listen for more.

In another episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions podcast, we speak to Pramod Thota, President, Asia Pacific, and Vice President of FMC Corporation, on counterfeits, sustainability and the importance of agriculture technologies in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and alleviating issues like climate change. Pramod shares with us initiatives that FMC have spearheaded that targets the issues within food and agriculture. Listen to find out more.

In Episode 3 of the second season, we talk to Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, Agricultural Solutions of Asia Pacific, BASF, and hear her thoughts on important issues like food security, climate change, and the unique position that Asia is in as one of the biggest region of smallholder farmers. Listen to the end to hear Simone's favourite food, which is a combination of Asia's staple and exotic fruits - definitely a crowd favourite.

In another new episode of the second season, we speak to Dr. Neoh Soon-Bin, Managing Director, Soon Soon Group, about food security, price inflations and learn about the benefits of governmental partnerships in the agricultural sector. Dr. Neoh brings an insightful perspective from the food and feed ingredients industry in Malaysia, and listen to the end for a quick introduction to the making of the Peranakan dish - Assam Laksa.

To kickstart the second season of our podcast Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we speak to Professor Salvador Catelo from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), about rising food prices and learn valuable insights about how current affairs like COVID19 and conflicts affects inflation, and what he expects the trend to be like in the near future. Professor Catelo also highlights the ways to enable and empower farmers on the ground and improve the food value chain. We end the podcast with a new question of the season which is “What is your favourite food?” Tune in to hear more.

Since the podcast was started in April 2021, we had done a whole season of 27 episodes with experts in the field. There is a standard question that we ask all our guests - "If you could look into the crystal ball to see how things are in the future, what would you hope to have happened?" Here's the final installation of the compilation of what our guests have to say about the future of food!

Since the podcast was started in April 2021, we had done a whole season of 27 episodes with experts in the field. There is a standard question that we ask all our guests - "If you could look into the crystal ball to see how things are in the future, what would you hope to have happened?" Here's the second out of three bonus episodes of what our guests have to say about the future of food in this season round-up!

Since the podcast was started in April 2021, we had done a whole season of 27 episodes with experts in the field. There is a standard question that we ask all our guests - "If you could look into the crystal ball to see how things are in the future, what would you hope to have happened?" Here's the first installation of what our guests have to say about the future of food in this season round-up!

In this new episode, Dr. Siti Abdul Malek, Associate Professor, Singapore Institute of Technology, highlights drivers of food insecurity, malnutrition and affordability of nutritious foods as key items to be addressed globally and regionally. She also talks about digitalisation and innovation as ways to help elevate smallholder farmers’ livelihood and climate resiliency, and how this is an essential means to address global food security and climate change.

Here’s a fresh episode of our podcast where Hon Mun Yip, Leader and Private Investor in Alternative Proteins gives us valuable insights on food technology and how it could guide the world towards self-sufficiency in the age of the pandemic, conflicts and climate change. Hon Mun highlights the importance of global and regional cooperation to bring the food agenda forward, and expresses his high hopes that the future would see greater acceptance of alternative food sources.

In a fresh episode of the podcast, we speak to Fitrian Ardiansyah, Global Envoy for Nature-based Solutions and Country Director for Indonesia and Malaysia IDH-The Sustainable Trade Initiative, on sustainability in food systems. He highlights gaps in the systems that could be filled through increased partnerships between organizations and entities because this huge undertaking cannot be addressed by any one single entity. He also introduces many practical solutions in how to bridge these gaps so that smallholder farmers may receive the required support to increase yield output and their economic growth and livelihood, while at the same time moving towards a more sustainable way of farming.

In this 24th episode, we have John Cheng, Founder and Managing Director, Innovate 360 speaking to us about the importance of alternative food sources in alleviating food insecurity. He highlights some of the important initiatives that Innovate 360 has done in collaboration with both public and private sectors to push new technologies forward and how these partnerships are essential for the food security agenda. 

For our 23rd episode, we speak to Rob Hulme, CEO & Group Director, The Boralis Group about food systems and technology transfers that are vital in helping smallholder farmers move towards sustainable farming. During the podcast, Rob also spoke about how along with agri-tech, systems and processes set up to help farmers gain accessibility to these technologies are just as important in the food value chain.

In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, Sonny Tababa, Director, Biotechnology Affairs, CropLife Asia, talks to us about food safety and how gene editing technologies and plant science innovations, together with regulatory processes could help propel the food system forward, not just for food security but also for the health of all humankind. Sonny highlights the long process for biotech products to be commercialized, and shared success stories across Southeast Asia, like Golden Rice in the Philippines that will bring hope to both farmers and consumers alike.

In the 21st episode of the podcast, we speak to Luke Tay, futurist, strategist, and founder of Cornucopia FutureScapes, and a Singapore Futures Fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy’s Executive Education Programme, on the future outlook of technology and food systems. Luke highlights the importance of redefining the way we approach technology in agriculture especially in the current climate – to think spatially and weigh the case and opportunities for shifting more production closer to demand, and to work on the demand side to ease and enable the adoption of new foods and tech. He also provided insights on how we as stakeholders should approach the agri-food system to enable collaboration at all levels.

In our 20th episode of the podcast, we celebrate Earth Day 2022 together with Imelda (Dada) Bacudo, Co-Chair with the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture, Senior Consultant and Expert on Climate Smart Agriculture, Land Use Policy and Climate Finance, and Convener with the ASEAN Climate Resilience Network. In this podcast, Dada discusses the importance of government and private sector cooperation in order for technological transfers and essential advancements that will help farmers, and at the same time address climate change issues. She highlights the role of governments as negotiators of climate change policies, and also the advantages of partnerships in tackling climate change.

In the 19th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Mei Ing Cheok, Food & Agriculture, Corporate Partnerships (Asia), Save the Children, to discuss the work that Save the Children is doing and how child labour in agriculture is a pertinent issue to be resolved especially in the Southeast Asia region. Mei Ing highlights some sobering statistics on what children are experiencing on a daily basis, including the factors that might exacerbate the ongoing situation. Mei Ing also talks about the initiatives that Save the Children has been working on, and working with partners on various levels because this is "too big of an issue for any one organization to tackle alone." 

In the 18th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Timothy Loh, Regional Director (Southeast Asia), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), to discuss the work that USSEC is doing and how innovation and technology are pertinent to improve the livelihood and productivity of the global food system. He provides a spotlight on the world's agricultural system from a U.S perspective, which provides valuable insights to the industry in the Asia-Pacific region as well. He also highlights the importance of partnerships within the industry that will push the industry towards achieving the UN SDGs, and towards a sustainable global food system for the future.

For this special episode celebrating International Women's Day, we have Elizabeth Hernandez, Head of External Affairs and Sustainability, Asia Pacific, Corteva Agriscience speak to us about the women in agriculture, highlighting some of the challenges they face as smallholder farmers. Elizabeth also discussed how Corteva Agriscience seeks to close the gender inequality gap with some of their initiatives, as well as the importance of partnerships in the field, to allow for innovation and technology to reach the farmers that need them the most. 

For this special episode celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director, ISAAA, provides essential advice to young women exploring a career in science along with her views on the adoption of modern agriculture. Dr Rhodora also discussed how the different forms of agricultural technology can help to improve the lives of farmers and the food supply chain, particularly in Asia. Listen in to hear her hopes and dreams of a world where policymakers would see the importance of ensuring farmers get access to modern technology, and also the adoption of it to ensure a better world that is food secure.

Released in time for Lunar New Year, learn more about farmers and how they put food on our table with our guest for the 15th episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions podcast, Dr. May Chodchoey, Executive Director, The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA). In this episode, Dr. May shares her thoughts on the important role of quality seeds for our smallholder farmers, the challenge of driving regional food security in a sustainable way, and the increasing effect climate change is having on the food supply chain.

In the 14th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director, Mekong Institute, to discuss the work that Mekong Institute is doing in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and how innovation and technology are pertinent to improve the livelihood and productivity of farmers. In this podcast, he highlights many topics that are close to the heart of what the industry should hope to achieve, for farmers and for the world's food economy, which includes closer collaboration among stakeholders.

In the 13th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Alex Berkovskiy, regional director, Asia-Pacific, Syngenta on World Food Day to discuss his thoughts on the current food value chain, and also how changing perspectives of farm to fork would help to advance the agenda of food security for all. In this episode, he also discusses his hopes for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to create a better food value chain.

For the 12th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Professor William Chen, Michael Fam Chair Professor in Food Science and Technology and director of the programme in Nanyang Technological University. In this timely conversation for the International Day of Food Waste and Loss, he shares his perspective on the current food supply chain, and the role of the individual in ensuring minimal food waste and loss to ensure food security for all.

In the 11th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we have the pleasure of hearing from the Honorable Ted McKinney, former Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs with the USDA. In the conversation, he shares his perspective on the process leading up to the Summit, how to ensure food systems are more resilient and sustainable, and the role of innovation in helping support farmers while driving progress with the SDGs.

In our 10th episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, the spotlight is on climate change’s connection to food security. Dr. Paul Teng, will check title to use, discusses the status of regional food security, current trends, the importance of sustainability with food production, and his thoughts on what’s needed to ensure and improve farmer livelihood in Asia.

In another fresh episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, and in celebration of International Youth Day, we speak to Jolene Lum, a young agri-preneur and Group CEO of Urban Tiller. In the podcast, she discusses some of the challenges that small-scale farmers face, and how she positions her business to address that sustainably.

In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we had a timely conversation with Dr. Sianghee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia on some of the statistics that were shared by the United Nations in the newly published 2021 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report. Dr. Tan emphasized the need for heightened cooperation between stakeholders, regulators, and government in dealing with the issue of food security, and pointed out some factors that could help improve our food systems.

In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we had an insightful conversation with Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Global Coordinator at ISAAA and also Executive Director, MABIC, on the need for science-based decision making when it comes to food security as well as the game-changing role technology can play in the food value chain. Dr. Mahaletchumy also shared her thoughts on the newly published 2021 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report by the United Nations.

In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we spoke to Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Director, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) where he shares insights on challenges faced by Asia’s smallholder farmers, and his hopes for stronger collaboration between academe, industry and the government to allow a sustainable transformation of the food system moving forward.

In this episode of Asia's Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we welcome Susanna Hasenoehrl, Director Sustainability and Growth & Commercialisation, Digital Farming (Asia), Yara International. She shares her insights on the food value chain and some of the impacts of COVID-19 on smallholder farmers in Asia. This episode also discusses some industry solutions to improve the situation for all in terms of food security, and also optimistic views for the industry moving forward.

In this episode of Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast, we welcome Jens Hartmann, Regional Head (APAC), Head of Commercial Operations – Asia Pacific, Bayer Crop Science on International Day for Biological Diversity. Jens shares his insights on the importance of technology and innovation in agriculture, and how they can help make agriculture more sustainable while also driving productivity. He also discusses the positive effects that digital developments and connectivity can have on the region’s smallholder farmers, especially in the time of the pandemic.

In this episode of the podcast, we spoke to Temina Lalani-Shariff, Director of Brand and Advocacy, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). In the interview, Temina shares her thoughts on food security, the troubling rise of hunger in the world, and the role of rice. She also provides insight into IRRI efforts being led through the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) as well as an update on progress with ‘Golden Rice’. This episode is an in-depth conversation into Asia’s food value chain and a must-listen.

This World Day for Safety and Health for Workers, we spoke to Delisa Jiang, Director of Sustainability and Advocacy with CropLife Asia. In the interview, Delisa shares her thoughts on the critical importance of health and safety on the farm, the growing role innovation and new technologies like drones are playing in Asian agriculture, and progress with industry stewardship programs that she’s helping lead. Delisa also offers interesting insights with a project CropLife is undertaking to utilize behavioral science learnings to promote crop protection responsible use and better ensure regional farmers’ health and safety.