DES MOINES, Iowa, USA – October 23, 2025 – Dr. Jianchu Xu, a Principal Scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF and leading researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been honored as a 2025 Top Agri-Food Pioneer. The prestigious recognition was announced during the World Food Prize Laureate Award Ceremony (October 21–23) by 2016 World Food Prize Laureate Jan Low and 2001 Laureate Per Pinstrup-Andersen. Dr. Xu, a distinguished ethnoecologist and internationally recognized fungi taxonomist, was selected for his transformative contributions to sustainable mountain development. His work uniquely blends indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research to drive ecological restoration, enhance climate resilience, and foster rural prosperity. He is part of the 2025 TAP cohort, a diverse group of 39 pioneers from 27 countries, aged 20 to 79, representing a powerful cross-section of geography, experience, and expertise.
Dr. Xu’s work redefines the link between ecological health and community prosperity. In 2016, he launched the Mountain Futures program, a visionary initiative that has already restored over 2,000 hectares of degraded land in Southwest China. By blending local traditions with scientific innovation, his approach creates a self-reinforcing cycle of benefits. He enhances ecosystem services by introducing climate-resilient tree crops, empowers African communities by creating new markets for sustainably harvested native fibers, and closes the loop by using mushrooms to convert biomass into resources, further fueling forest restoration.
As a Principal Scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF, Dr. Xu has spearheaded initiatives that redefine environmental stewardship. His expertise in ethnoecology and bioeconomy has expanded scientific understanding while demonstrating how indigenous wisdom can solve contemporary challenges such as climate change and land degradation. His work has been instrumental in aligning agri-food systems with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Xu has successfully elevated his impact from on-the-ground projects to global policy by organizing the IV Mountain Futures conference and launching the landmark Global Montane Bioeconomy Framework. The conference, held from September 25-27, 2025, in Kunming, China, was a major international convening under the theme “Inclusive Bioeconomy: A Nature-Positive and Climate-Resilient Path for Mountains.” Hosted by the Kunming Institute of Botany (CAS) and co-organized by prestigious partners including UNEP, FAO, and ICIMOD, it brought together 202 diverse participants from over 30 countries—including scientists, policymakers, and community representatives. The event served as the ideal platform to officially launch the Global Montane Bioeconomy Framework, a significant contribution to building a harmonious future for both people and nature in mountain regions worldwide.
Dr. Xu’s recognition underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary research in achieving a sustainable future. His legacy serves as an inspiration for scientists, policymakers, and community leaders worldwide, demonstrating how collaboration between tradition and innovation can pave the way for a greener and inclusive society.
About the World Food Prize
The World Food Prize is the foremost international award recognizing individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. The Top Agri-Food Pioneers program highlights individuals whose innovative work drives progress in agri-food systems.
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