Episode Details

In this episode of The Work We Do, we sit down with Charles Spillane, Chief Scientist at FAO. 

Charlie traces how his upbringing on a farm in Ireland and an early interest in science fiction shaped his techno-optimistic worldview and his belief in the power of science and innovation to improve society. 

He discusses why scientific advances often fail to reach smallholder farmers, what it takes to close the gap between knowledge and adoption, and how financial, institutional, and systemic barriers can be addressed. 

Charlie explores the growing role of data in agriculture, including questions of ownership and governance, and the limitations of current research funding models. And he shares vision for a more effective, future-ready agrifood science system. 

00:00 Inequality and progress 

01:00 From farm to FAO 

08:28 Innovation in context 

11:11 The technology gap