b'CROPLIFE OFFERS AN ESSENTIAL GLOBALCROPLIFE BRINGS TOGETHER PARTNERS PERSPECTIVE THAT FOSTERS INNOVATIONAROUND THE KEY CHALLENGES FACING FARMERS AND AGRICULTUREBY: FRANK TERHORST - HEAD OF STRATEGY & SUSTAINABILITYBY: ALEXANDRA BRAND - AT THE CROP SCIENCE DIVISIONEXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, OF BAYERSUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS AT As we are working towardsSYNGENTA GROUP. scaling regenerative agriculture systems, we rely on our inter- CropLife International (CLI) nal expertise and on strongplays a crucial role in bringing partnerships that acceleratetogether partners around some innovation in addressing foodof the key challenges facing security and climate changefarmers and agriculture. As a on international, regional andglobal advocate for advancing global levels.innovation in agriculture, it Our ambition is to helphighlights how our industry the world produce 50% morecan make farming more sus-food by 2050 while restoring nature. This means there is a constanttainable and contribute towards achieving global climate, food secu-need to develop new solutions to meet these challenges, and werity, and biodiversity goals. It also promotes initiatives and activities cannot tackle them alone to help farmers be successful. In todaysareas around the world including stewardship, farmer training, the complex landscape, where geopolitical trends and environmentalidentification and reduction of illegal and counterfeit trade, and the issues converge, CropLife International (CLI) offers an essentialsafeguarding of intellectual property rights.global perspective that fosters innovation.On key issues such as supporting effective regulatory envi-The recent agreement between CLI and the International Seedronments and reducing barriers to international trade, CLI and Federation (ISF) and 11 other stakeholders on collectively address- CropLife Europe work together with the ISF and other seed asso-ing illegal seed practices illustrates this collaborative spirit, as weciations to promote frameworks that are science-based, progressive, work together with regional seed associations and our extensiveand support farmer access to cutting-edge agricultural innovations. networks to create a more favourable operational landscape for allWith its deep understanding of perspectives spanning both crop stakeholders. Together, we advocate for a science-based, propor- protection and plant biotech, CLIs ability to share insights engage tionate policy environment. with stakeholders and decision makers is crucial. Current regula-CLI complements the efforts of seed trade organizations fillingtory fragmentation is hindering farmer access to competitive and critical gaps in technical expertise and local networks, especiallytransformational agricultural technologies. This is increasingly chal-where resources are limited. The collective involvement of associa- lenging given the rapid spread of destructive pests and diseases, tions enables us to be vocal in critical policy areas. Typically, at UNexacerbated by import restrictions that disrupt seed supplies. CLIs negotiations, OECD and FAO events provide a seat at the tablework, together with other industry stakeholders, is also important which underscores our commitment to a united front on pressingto driving and strengthening our industrys response to the global issues.challenges of food security and climate change.Most recently, Bayer worked with CLI at the G20/B20 meet- Over the years, CLI has made significant inroads on several ing in Brazil, where the inclusion of regenerative agriculture andinitiatives. In 2024, CLI has been instrumental as co-chair of the breeding innovations in the Ag Ministerial declaration representsB20 Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture Task Force, on food a significant step forward, paving the way for solutions that supportsystem transformation, improving climate resilience, and farmer farmers in preserving their livelihoods. productivity. This task force developed a policy paper championing The partnership between CropLife, its members and its col- agricultural innovation, including genome editing, improved seed laborative work across key agricultural sectors will continue tovarieties, biological crop protection, and feed additives. This collab-help shape a sustainable agricultural landscape that benefits farm- oration demonstrates how cutting-edge technologies can enhance ers, society, and the planet. Together, we are committed to drivingcrop resilience, improve resource efficiency, increase farmer prof-innovations in regenerative agriculture and fostering a resilient andits, and optimize pesticide use. The paper also calls for a WTO thriving global food system for future generations and thats a greatrules-based global trading system to facilitate access to innovative fit with Bayers mission Health for all, Hunger for none. technologies and knowledge sharing. G20 agricultural ministers have supported various proposals, incorporating these in their final declaration, which called for sustainable intensification through innovation. The Ministers specifically endorsed plant breeding innovation as a key technology. Its very exciting to see CLI now drive next steps to turn these recommendations into practical appli-cations worldwide, and to pursue its work with stakeholders and member companies to advocate for these policies at the global and country levels.NOVEMBER 2024|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 11'