The panel discussion during the Conference was initiated by Adel El-Beltagy, the Chairman of GFAR Steering Committee. Gordon Conway, Uma Lele and Christian Patterman participated in the discussion.

Uma Lele (World Bank) argued that poverty should be put at the centre stage of ARD by using tools like poverty mapping. She also was of the opinion that the impact of partnerships should be independently assessed. She pointed out opportunities for South-South knowledge exchange and the importance of multi-disciplinary research.

Some specific aspects that Christian Patermann (European Commission) discussed were: 1. A knowledge based bio-economy was emerging and agricultural was a key component of this economy; 2. The competition among feed, food, fibre, and fuel could result in new income generation or decreased food security depending on how it was managed; 3. Consumers lifestyle in developing countries was changing and it is important to consider consumer preferences in agricultural production.

After initial presentation of their positions, the discussion was opened to the floor.