Be counted among leaders, thinkers, and movers who will gather at the 2nd International Conference on Agricultural and Rural Development in Southeast Asia (ARD2014) to share and gain insights on issues, imperatives, and initiatives contributing to Strengthening Resilience, Equity, and Integration in ASEAN Food and Agriculture Systems. To be held on 12-13 November 2014 at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines, this knowledge event is organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in collaboration with education, government,  other local and international development organizations, the private sector, and NGOs.

The conference is one that stakeholders in the agriculture sector — from government executives and policymakers to academics and researchers to farmers and farmer leaders to members of the private sector and civil society — should be part of. Specifically, ARD2014 will focus on:

  • Resilience and sustainability in ASEAN agriculture;
  • Inclusiveness and equity in the farm economy; and
  • Regional cooperation and economic integration in the context of Southeast Asian agriculture

ARD2014 will highlight:

  • Innovative technologies and approaches to processes spanning the entire agricultural value chain,
  • Lessons learned in the management of agricultural systems, and
  • Inputs to policymaking, particularly in view of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015

The conference will be organized around six themes:

  • Productivity Improvement – looks into issues and innovations in farm and fishery technologies and production systems.
  • Inclusive Value Chains – scrutinizes the range of processes and transactions in the continuum, with particular focus on greater participation of farmers in value adding to increase farm incomes.
  • Sustainability and Poverty Reduction – deals with sustainable development, addressing implications of agricultural technologies and practices on rural poverty and the environment.
  • Food Security and Food Safety – probes technological and public policy issues on food availability, food access, and food use.
  • Institution and Governance examines the issues standing in the way of sound institutions and good governance in the region.
  • Regional Cooperation and Integration – explores the effects of wider trade in agricultural products in Southeast Asia.

As the changing climate, persistent poverty, and closer economic integration loom over stakeholders in the agriculture sector, we invite you to rally with us and join in the discourse to find new ways to win over current challenges and emerging issues in ARD.

For more information on registration, modes of payment of fees, and accommodations, visit www.ard2014.searca.org. Call us at (+63-49) 536 2365 and 536 2287 local 398, 132, 131, or 137, or send us an email at ard2014@agri.searca.org.

Register now and be informed, be heard, be counted! See you in ARD2014!

Registration is open until 31 October 2014, Friday.


About the Organizer
SEARCA is one of the 21 regional centers of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Founded on 27 November 1966, SEARCA is mandated to strengthen institutional capacities in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia through graduate education, short-term training, research and development, and knowledge management.
 
Conference Partners