In June 2024, researchers Wang Mingli and Zhou Hui from the Institute of Agricultural Economy and Development (IAED) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences conducted a visit to the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in Sweden. IVL extended a warm welcome to the IAED delegation, and the two parties engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on the advancement of the EU's Supporting Scheme for MSMEs by Building Sustainable Agricultural Fresh Food Production and Logistics in China (SAFE) and sustainable agriculture at the global level.

The project's objective is to promote the standardised production and quality management of fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, through the optimisation of chemical usage in agricultural production. This will effectively reduce losses and waste during transportation, improve the energy efficiency of logistics and transportation of fresh produce, and enhance its safety management and product quality. The IAED visit represents a significant milestone in the project's international exchange and knowledge sharing.

During the visit, Dr. Vivek Voora, an expert in the field of sustainable agricultural development at IVL, held an in-depth discussion with the Chinese representatives. Dr. Voora provided a comprehensive overview of the key practices and models of sustainable agriculture and carbon emission reduction in Sweden, with a particular focus on the low-carbon farm model for the future. This topic was met with high interest and engaged in-depth discussion from both sides.

Researcher Wang Mingli and Associate Researcher Zhou Hui provided an overview of the current state of Chinese agriculture and the Supporting Scheme for MSMEs by Building Sustainable Agricultural Fresh Food Production and Logistics in China (SAFE), which is currently being implemented. They highlighted the importance of training for farmers' cooperatives and fruit and vegetable growers to raise awareness about sustainable development and reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, the Chinese delegation outlined specific strategies to reduce the reliance on disposable packaging. These include promoting the use of reusable plastic crates for fruits and vegetables, which reduces the environmental impact and food loss.

This exchange has reinforced the partnership between the two parties in the field of sustainable agricultural development and has established a foundation for continued exchanges and cooperation in this area in the future. IVL and IAED will continue to collaborate in order to promote green transformation and sustainable development in global agriculture.