Agricultural research, scientific innovation and technology adoption are becoming increasingly important to the transformation of global agrifood systems. As countries seek to improve food security, strengthen agricultural productivity and build resilience against climate change, reliable data on research and development are essential for informed policymaking.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through its statistics division, is scheduled to participate in the Science and Innovation Forum 2026 (SIF2026) with a session examining how Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) can support agrifood systems transformation.

The event is scheduled for 16 October, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST), with participation available in Rome and online.

Understanding the Role of ASTI

Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators provide information about investments in agricultural research and development, including the resources allocated to research institutions and the people involved in scientific activities.

These indicators help policymakers, researchers and development organisations understand how countries support agricultural innovation. They can also help identify differences in research capacity, investment priorities and the availability of scientific resources across agricultural economies.

Reliable statistics are particularly important because agricultural development depends on more than land, labour and infrastructure. Research into improved crop varieties, soil health, livestock management, irrigation and pest control can contribute to more productive and resilient farming systems.

By examining research expenditure, institutional capacity and scientific personnel, ASTI-related information can help decision-makers assess whether agricultural research systems have the resources needed to respond to emerging challenges.

Why Agricultural Research Matters for Food Security

Agrifood systems face several interconnected pressures, including population growth, changing dietary patterns, climate-related disruptions and the need to use natural resources more efficiently.

Scientific research can help farmers respond to these challenges by supporting the development of drought-tolerant crops, more efficient irrigation methods, improved livestock practices and technologies that reduce post-harvest losses.

However, translating scientific discoveries into practical benefits requires adequate funding, effective research institutions and connections between researchers, agricultural extension services and farming communities.

Investment in agricultural science can also support the development of locally appropriate solutions. Farming conditions vary considerably between regions, meaning that technologies successful in one location may need further research and adaptation before they can be applied elsewhere.

Data-Driven Decisions for Agricultural Transformation

Statistical evidence helps governments determine where agricultural research funding may be most needed and whether existing investments are producing meaningful results.

Comparable indicators can reveal gaps in research capacity, highlight changes in investment and support comparisons between countries and regions. Such information can contribute to the design of agricultural policies that better reflect local needs and long-term development priorities.

Data can also help development organisations identify opportunities for cooperation, including research partnerships, institutional strengthening and the sharing of scientific knowledge.

Nevertheless, research expenditure and staffing figures represent only part of the picture. Evaluating agricultural innovation also requires attention to research quality, technology adoption, farmer access, environmental effects and the distribution of benefits across communities.

Combining statistical indicators with practical evidence from farms and markets can provide a more complete understanding of how research contributes to agrifood systems transformation.

Connecting Innovation with Sustainable Agriculture

Agricultural innovation has the potential to improve productivity while supporting the sustainable use of land, water and other resources.

Digital agriculture, precision farming, improved seeds and climate-smart production methods are among the areas where research can contribute to more efficient farming practices. Scientific advances may also help reduce food losses, strengthen supply chains and improve the ability of agricultural systems to withstand environmental shocks.

Yet the benefits of innovation depend on affordability, infrastructure, technical knowledge and access to finance. Smallholder farmers and rural communities must be able to access suitable technologies if agricultural transformation is to deliver broad-based improvements.

This makes coordination among governments, research institutions, private companies and farming organisations particularly important.

The Significance of SIF2026

The Science and Innovation Forum provides an opportunity to discuss how scientific knowledge and technological progress can contribute to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

FAO Statistics’ planned session on ASTI is expected to bring attention to the role of agricultural research data in understanding investment patterns and strengthening decision-making.

Participation by researchers, policymakers, statisticians and development professionals can help encourage the use of reliable evidence in agricultural planning. Online participation can also make the discussion accessible to people who cannot attend the event in person.

The session is scheduled for 16 October 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CEST, corresponding to 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.

Building Stronger Agrifood Systems Through Evidence

Transforming agrifood systems requires coordinated action across research, technology, policy and agricultural production. Reliable statistics can help countries understand their research capabilities, identify investment gaps and assess the resources available to support future innovation.

Through discussions on Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators, FAO Statistics is bringing attention to the importance of measuring and understanding the scientific foundations of agricultural development.

Ultimately, better evidence can help decision-makers direct resources towards research and innovation that respond to farmers’ needs, strengthen food security and support sustainable agricultural growth.