AI for Food Security Forum | Welcome Remarks & Panel I

Why It Matters

AI can dramatically improve early warning and farmer support, reducing hunger, but only if global stakeholders invest in data infrastructure, skills, and responsible policy frameworks.

Key Takeaways

• CSIS and Google.org launch AI‑driven food security forum.
• Panels explore AI applications, data challenges, geopolitical shocks.
• Experts stress AI as tool, not silver‑bullet solution.
• Demonstrations showcase farmer‑chat, satellite monitoring, Plant Village scaling.
• Call for global investment in skills, resources, and policy frameworks.

Summary

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted the AI for Food Security Forum, a day‑long event backed by Google.org, to examine how artificial intelligence can bolster global food systems. The agenda featured four plenary panels, live demonstrations, and ample networking, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from both the Global North and South. Key discussions highlighted AI’s role in early‑warning systems, precision agriculture, and data‑driven decision‑making, while also confronting the challenges of data quality, privacy, and geopolitical instability such as the Iran war. Speakers underscored that AI is a powerful tool—not a cure‑all—and that its impact depends on thoughtful integration with existing agricultural practices and robust governance. Notable examples included Digital Green’s farmer‑chat platform, which now operates across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and Plant Village’s AI‑enabled disease diagnostics deployed in over 60 countries through the FAO. Panelist Katherine Nakalbe emphasized the uneven distribution of earth‑observation data in the Global South and the need for locally‑tailored AI solutions. The forum concluded that realizing AI’s promise for food security requires coordinated investment in technology, skills development, and policy frameworks. Stakeholders were urged to move beyond pilot projects toward scalable, inclusive solutions that address both the benefits and risks of AI deployment in agriculture.

Original Description

This panel session from the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program’s AI for Food Security Forum will feature an in-depth conversation among Digital Green Global Director of External Relations Eric Firnhaber, PlantVillage Founder David Hughes, IFPRI Senior Research Fellow for Markets, Trade, and Institutions Yanyan Liu, and University of Maryland Assistant Professor of Geospatial AI Catherine Nakalembe, moderated by CSIS Senior Associate (Non-resident) Franck Gbaguidi. 

The conversation will explore the value AI presents to global food systems, including food production, processing, transportation, trade, and marketing. Experts will discuss the wide-ranging applications of AI to food systems in the United States and around the world.

This conference is made possible by generous support from Google.org.

Artificial Intelligence for Food Security Forum

This panel discussion is part of the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program’s AI for Food Security Forum. On April 30, 2026, the Forum will explore the promises and risks of AI-enabled technologies for food security. Sessions will address what is needed to ensure that AI will be an effective tool to strengthen agricultural productivity, enhance data ecosystems, build more resilient food systems, and ultimately contribute to the realization of a more food-secure world.

To view the full agenda, visit the AI for Food Security Forum.