Corteva Agriscience signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), outlining principles for collaboration in areas including partnership in technology development, advancing best applications in the field, elevating agronomy skills and building a model for sustainable development in rural areas.
Upon signing the MOU, James Collins, CEO of Corteva Agriscience, says, “Increasing the scope of the Corteva Agriscience partnership with CAAS is a win-win for the development of agricultural technology and skill development in China. We are committed to enriching farmers’ lives and progressing the ag-industry in China, the expansion of the CAAS-Corteva partnership is a part of our efforts to bring our commitment to life.”
Signing on behalf of CAAS, vice president Wang Hanzhong echoed Collins’ sentiment and says, “It is our hope that we can share the journey toward increasing the sustainability of talent development and technological innovation in the fields of agriculture.”
The scope of the MoU outlines five key areas for partnership conceived to increase the well-being of farmers and support China’s agriculture upgrade:
- Seed trait development , leveraging the resources and expertise of both parties in product development, featuring the Corteva Agriscience leading bio-genetic technologies, to develop innovative and sustainable solutions with greater quality and accuracy and with more efficiency.
- Rice resistant weed and insect management , developing an integrated management approach targeting signature weeds and insects’ native to areas of rice cultivation within China to empower rice farmers with the right knowledge, effective tools and advanced technologies.
- Corn insect control , exploring effective insect control methods targeting above/below ground insects in summer corn areas along the Yellow River and Huai River Basin and other recent pest-outbreaks in specific regions such as the devastating fall armyworm pest, to help farmers properly address issues and secure harvests.
- Public education , collaborating together to target misinformation on agricultural technologies through educational events focused on biotech and the safe use of agricultural chemicals, contributing to a healthier public environment for new technology advancements in agriculture.
- Skills development , offering diversified approaches to skills development including scholarships, lectures and training to help build the next generation of agriculture professionals, farmers and support China’s national agenda on agriculture and rural development.
