ORP-5 Speakers: Leading Voices in Organic Rice Production

The Speaker Lineup That Defines the Industry

Every great conference is defined by the quality and diversity of its speakers. The ORP-5 International Rice Conference 2026 has assembled what may be the most impressive speaker lineup in the history of organic agriculture events. With over 200 speakers from more than 40 countries, the conference program features an extraordinary blend of scientific rigor, practical wisdom, policy insight, and inspirational storytelling.

Categories of Speakers

ORP-5 speakers represent every stakeholder group in the organic rice value chain:

Keynote Speakers

The conference features six plenary keynote addresses delivered by internationally recognized leaders in organic agriculture, rice science, and food policy. These keynotes set the intellectual tone for the entire conference and provide high-level perspectives that contextualize the detailed research presented in thematic tracks.

Track Chairs and Invited Speakers

Each of the 9 thematic tracks is led by a distinguished track chair who curates the session content and introduces speakers. Invited speakers within each track are selected for their expertise, the quality of their research, and their ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Paper Presenters

The backbone of the scientific program consists of researchers presenting peer-reviewed papers selected through a competitive submission process. These presentations represent the cutting edge of organic rice research and provide fresh, original findings that advance the field.

Farmer Speakers

In keeping with ORP's farmer-first philosophy, the conference dedicates significant programming to farmers who share their practical experience with organic rice production. These sessions are consistently rated among the most valuable by conference attendees.

Policy and Industry Speakers

Government officials, international organization leaders, and industry executives bring perspectives on the policy frameworks, market dynamics, and business models that shape the organic rice sector.

Young Innovators

ORP-5 features a dedicated Young Innovators track where early-career researchers and entrepreneurs present fresh ideas and novel approaches to organic rice challenges. This track has launched several careers and identified emerging leaders who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field.

Featured Keynote Speakers

While the full speaker list comprises over 200 individuals, the following keynote speakers represent the caliber of expertise at ORP-5:

• Dr. Priya Sharma — Director of the International Rice Research Institute's Organic Systems Division, with over 25 years of experience in sustainable rice production research across Asia and Africa
• Prof. Kenji Tanaka — Leading rice geneticist from Hokkaido University, known for pioneering work on climate-resilient rice varieties adapted for organic management
• Dr. Maria Santos — Former FAO Senior Adviser on Organic Agriculture and author of the influential "Global Organic Rice Report" series
• Dr. Aisha Mohammed — Director of the African Rice Center's Organic Programs, specializing in participatory research with smallholder farmers
• Prof. Li Wei — Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, recognized for breakthrough research on paddy methane reduction techniques
• Dr. Lakshmi Narayan — Winner of the 2024 Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award, celebrated for her work on traditional rice varieties of South India

"The speaker lineup at ORP-5 represents the intellectual elite of the organic rice world. Having access to this concentration of expertise in a single event is an extraordinary opportunity for anyone working in this field." — Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, CIMMYT

What Makes ORP-5 Speakers Special

Several qualities distinguish ORP-5 speakers from those at other agricultural conferences:

• Depth of Experience — Most speakers have decades of direct experience in organic rice production, not just theoretical knowledge
• Global Diversity — Speakers represent every major rice-producing region, ensuring that perspectives from the Global South are well-represented alongside those from developed nations
• Practical Orientation — Even the most academic speakers at ORP-5 are expected to connect their findings to real-world farming applications
• Accessibility — ORP-5's speaker culture emphasizes approachability; speakers are encouraged to be available for informal conversations throughout the conference
• Mentorship Commitment — Many speakers actively participate in the conference's mentorship programs, pairing with early-career professionals and students

How to Engage with Speakers

ORP-5 provides several structured ways to engage with speakers beyond their formal presentations:

• Q&A Sessions — Every presentation includes a dedicated Q&A period, and the conference app allows pre-submission of questions
• Meet the Speaker Sessions — Designated coffee-break slots where keynote speakers are available for small-group conversations
• Poster Walks — Senior researchers conduct guided poster walks, providing feedback and insights to presenting authors
• Mentorship Program — Several speakers participate as mentors in the formal mentorship program for early-career professionals
• Thematic Dinners — Speakers and attendees mingle informally during themed evening dinners

Becoming an ORP-5 Speaker

The call for papers and presentations for ORP-5 is currently open. If you have original research, innovative farming techniques, or policy insights to share, we encourage you to submit an abstract. The submission process is as follows:

1. Review the thematic tracks and identify the track most relevant to your work
2. Prepare an abstract of 300–500 words summarizing your research, methodology, and key findings
3. Submit through the online portal before the deadline of June 30, 2026
4. Abstracts are reviewed by the scientific committee; notification of acceptance by April 15, 2026
5. Accepted presenters receive reduced registration rates and presentation preparation support

Stay Updated on Speaker Announcements

New speakers are being confirmed regularly, and the full lineup will be published on orp5ic.com/speakers. Sign up for the conference newsletter to receive speaker announcements and program updates directly in your inbox.