IAEE2009 - The New Landscape of Global Agriculture
There are strong indications and already evidence that the agricultural and food system as well as the rural areas across the world are experiencing major change. Increased urbanisation and the increased affluence in emerging economies combined with the demand for agricultural commodities for biofuels is changing the whole landscape of global agricultural and food systems. The next XXVII IAAE conference is therefore not only planning to address these issues but at the same time providing the opportunity to think about the adjustments in our discipline needed to address these more complex issues. Amongst other things this calls for an expansion of the toolkit of agricultural economists. The question the conference should address is: Are we as agricultural economists equipped to deal with these complex problems and issues on our own? What are the principles, techniques and approaches from other disciplines we can use?
In addition to the opening ceremony and the Elmhirst Memorial Lecture and Presidential Address, the programme will include five additional plenary sessions covering the following themes:
In addition to the plenary speakers, the Vice President Programme will also invite members to propose invited panels on a range of key topics broadly related to the conference theme.
About Beijing and the Conference Venue
Beijing is China's political, cultural and economic centre. As a modern city with a long history, it is an enormous treasure house of cultural and historical relics, stocked with various collections of palaces, temples, parks and above all, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall. Beijing is easily accessible by air. Its airport is connected to major international cities by over 60 international and regional direct air routes with over 460 flights a week.
The XXVII IAAE Conference will be held at Beijing International Convention Center (BICC), which is located close to the main venue of 2008 Olympic Games. BICC adjoins highways with ideal geographical location and all-round accessibility. Beijing Capital International Airport is 25 km east of BICC, while the historical Tian'anmen Square is 9 km to the south. 10 km to the west is the Summer Palace, and 80 km to the north is the Great Wall. Hotels of various classes are within walking distance.
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and a visa are required for entry into China. Visas can be obtained from your local Chinese Embassy or the nearest Consulate General. An official visa invitation letter will be sent to the participants upon receipt of the registration form. Japanese participants holding a private passport and staying in China for not more than 15 days do not need a visa. Early registration is advised so that adequate time is allowed for obtaining visas.
Climate and Weather
The conference is held when Beijing is entering late summer. The average daily temperature is about 22°C /72°F, with highs of around 35°C /95°F and lows of around 10°C /50°F. There is occasional rain but the amount is not much.