Tag Archives: agriculture

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – January 2025

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!

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Global News

153 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates Issue Urgent Wake-Up Call Over Hunger Tipping Point

A broad coalition of 153 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates has made an unprecedented plea for financial and political backing to develop “moonshot” technologies to avert a hunger catastrophe in the next 25 years. Read more…

Understanding the Regulatory Challenges for CRISPR Gene Editing on Crops

CRISPR/Cas gene-editing technology (CRISPR) presents a possible solution to this impending crisis. However, incorporating CRISPR into agriculture and food production requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks that could determine how widely these innovations are adopted. Read more…


Country News

Australia

Bayer: Federal Court Brings an End to Roundup™ Litigation in Australia

The Court issued a 322-page ruling finding that the weight of scientific evidence does not support a link between glyphosate and NHL. This is an outcome consistent with worldwide regulatory and scientific assessments, including from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), concluding that glyphosate is not carcinogenic. Read more…

Destructive tomato virus leads to 120 job losses at Victorian farm

More 100 workers have lost their jobs at a Victorian tomato glasshouse where a damaging virus has been detected. The tomato brown rugose virus reduces crop yields by up to 70 per cent. Read more…

How AI is helping farmers and the Great Barrier Reef

Artificial intelligence is being used as a tool across many Australian industries right now, including farming — where home-grown experts have developed “intelligent irrigation” to help ease the workload for farmers, and conserve water. Read more…

Calls continue to change organic labelling rules in Australia

Organic certification is not legally required for a product to be described as organic, but a business making organic claims must be able to prove them. Read more…

Sunn hemp trialled in cotton fields to combat reniform nematodes

A cotton-growing region is battling a microscopic soil pest that is decimating cotton crops. Scientists have found that a new legume — called sunn hemp — may reduce the impact of reniform nematodes. Read more…

China

China approves 17 more gene-edited crop varieties

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has awarded safety certificates to 17 gene-edited crop varieties, according to a Reuters report. Read more…

Chinese rice tastes and looks better than it did 16 years ago, research team finds

The taste of rice in China has improved over the past decade or so, Chinese researchers have discovered. Read more…

Minister Han Jun Meets with FAO Director-General

Minister Han said that in 2024, China’s grain output reached 700 million tonnes for the first time, showing that China has further enhanced its food security and made significant contributions to safeguarding global food security. Read more…

Chinese researchers develop green, effective pesticide formulation

Chinese scientists have developed a new eco-friendly pesticide formulation that enhances pest control while being safer for crops and the environment. Read more…

Sri Lankan President kicks off a four-day state visit to China, demonstrating ‘Rubber-Rice’ friendship: expert

During this state visit, Dissanayake is scheduled to participate in several key engagements, including field visits focused on technological and agricultural development, as well as initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. Read more…

China’s space station conducts over 1,000 research projects

China’s space station will conduct more than 1,000 research projects, promote science popularization and enhance international cooperation over the next 10 to 15 years. Read more…

India

CropLife India pioneers Small Tea Growers’ education drive on the use of Crop Protection Products

Unique campaign designed specifically to help the farmers meet the compliance standards of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and maximum residue level (MRL) parameters. Read more…

CM launches UP-AGREES project to boost agri sector

The initiative aims to improve farmers’ yield, which is anticipated to rise from 10 quintals to 14-15 quintals per acre, and will provide a much-needed boost to the agricultural economy of Uttar Pradesh. Read more…

UP govt, Google Cloud launch AI-powered agri network

LUCKNOW The UP government has signed an MoU with Google Cloud (India) to launch the Gemini-powered and Beacon-enabled Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture. Read more…

 Why protesting farmers in Punjab want India to withdraw from WTO

According to the protesting farmers, the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), implemented to reduce agricultural subsidies and establish fairer trade systems, is fundamentally biased against developing nations like India. Read more…

ISRO Cowpea Seeds Successfully Germinate in Space: Everything You Need to Know

ISRO announces successful cowpea seed germination in space, part of the CROPS experiment studying plant growth in microgravity. Read more…

Google Signs Deal To Buy Carbon Credits From Indian Farms

The deal – signed by Google and Indian supplier Varaha – is one of the biggest ever involving biochar, and is the tech giant’s first foray into India’s carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector. Read more…

New Soil Carbon Measurement Method Could Boost Trust in Carbon Credit Markets

Direct soil carbon measurement techniques offer greater accuracy, enhancing the reliability of carbon credits and supporting agricultural sustainability. Read more…

Indonesia

Shallot research boosting yields for Indonesian farmers

Shallot farmers across 4 coastal provinces in Indonesia are experiencing significant growth in production and income through ACIAR-​funded research promoting sustainable cropping systems. Read more…

Indonesia bolsters financing for agriculture, fisheries enterprises

The Indonesian Government is also boosting the business cluster-based KUR and KUR for agricultural tools and machinery as strategic steps to boost productivity in the agriculture sector. Read more…

Indonesian forestry minister proposes 20m hectares of deforestation for crops

An Indonesian government plan to clear forests spanning an area twice the size of South Korea for food and biofuel crops has sparked fears of massive greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Read more…

Farmers prefer corn over wheat for feed

The Indonesian government’s plan to import wheat as an alternative to corn for animal feed has sparked concerns among poultry farmers.  Read more…

Indonesia will stop importing feed corn in 2025

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, announced that the country will cease importing corn for feed in 2025, as local production is expected to surpass domestic demand. Read more…

Japan

Farm-welfare links for disabled employment expand in Japan

Agriculture-welfare partnerships, in which individuals with disabilities actively participate in farming activities, have been steadily gaining momentum in Japan. Read more…

Japan rice prices jump to record for 4th month

Rice prices set a record high for a fourth consecutive month amid rising production costs. Read more…

Japan, China agree to continue talks for lifting import ban on Japanese beef

Japan and China have agreed to keep communicating over early lifting of China’s import ban on Japanese beef. The ban has continued for more than 20 years. Read more…

Korea

Ministry vows to spur growth of K-food exports

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs held a meeting at aT Center in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss strategies for sustaining growth in Korean agricultural and food exports. Read more…

Agriculture: Unsung hero of Korea’s economic miracle

It is well known that Korea achieved the “Miracle on the Han River” through rapid industrialization. However, few are aware that this economic success would not have been possible without the significant growth in agriculture. Read more…

Malaysia

Rice industry sinking, farmers warn ahead of Putrajaya gathering to protest floor price

They say the amount under discussion is disproportionate to their current operating costs following the removal of diesel subsidies last year. Read more…

Climate, crisis and cost of food

AGRICULTURE remains both the backbone of Malaysia’s economy and a critical element of our national identity. However, as the climate crisis escalates, this vital sector faces mounting threats that jeopardise our ability to feed the nation. Read more…

Local onion cultivation could save Malaysia RM300mil: Mohamad Sabu

Malaysia can save around RM300 million if the local onion cultivation project succeeds, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Read more…

Philippines

DA to build P3 billion cold storage facilities for fruits, vegetables

Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to roll out a P3-billion initiative to construct 99 cold storage facilities nationwide, aiming to extend the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and high-value crops, while ensuring price stability and food security. Read more…

DA forms TWG for food security emergency

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formed a technical working group (TWG) to formulate the implementing rules for the release of National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks once the government officially declares a food security emergency on the staple. Read more…

JICA urges more high-value agri investments in Philippines

Japan’s aid arm is urging more job-generating and value-adding investments in the Philippines’ agriculture sector so the domestic vegetable industry can meet the country’s food security needs while also tapping into a wealth of business opportunities. Read more…

Low-GI rice varieties for diabetics

With diabetes rising as the fourth leading cause of death in the Philippines, PhilRice food scientists are exploring rice varieties better suited for people with the medical condition. They are investigating rice with low glycemic indexes (GI) to help manage blood sugar levels. Read more…

Farmers get subsidized access to drone services

Thus, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), together with the Department of Agriculture-National Rice Program (DA-NRP), is promoting precision agriculture through the Drones4Rice project, emphasizing its benefits for rice farmers and the need to regulate drone activities. Read more…

Taiwanese agritech signs up for UPD community development project

A Taiwanese agricultural technology company and the University of the Philippines (UP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for locating on UP Diliman campus a demonstration area for innovations in urban farming supporting climate change resilience, human wellness and other such sustainable development goals. Read more…

Pakistan

Chinese delegation, Punjab minister discuss agriculture cooperation

A delegation of China’s (Beijing) Company BGI Group led by its Chairman Dr Wang Jian met with Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani here on Monday. Read more…

EO-1 Satellite to enhance country’s capabilities in agriculture, disaster management

The first fully indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite, launched by Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) on Friday, is expected to enhance country’s capabilities in agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring and other sectors, symbolizing its growing expertise in space sciences. Read more…

Fall in cotton production worries Sindh industries

Sindh’s industrial sector has expressed grave concern over the fall in cotton production, which will have serious implications for the textile sector as well as the national economy, reports WealthPK. Read more…

Fertilizer Company receives 1.5MW power supply in Gwadar North Free Zone

Agven Private Limited, a fertilizer company in the Gwadar North Free Zone, began receiving 1.5MW of electricity as part of its allocated share, following a significant infrastructure development. Read more…

Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China surpass $226 million in 2024

Pakistan’s exports of sesame seeds to China exceeded $226 million in 2024, marking a significant development in bilateral trade relations. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan to take in 1,000 Indian workers, recruitment talks on with northeastern states

Sources in Taiwan said Taipei has expressed a preference to hire these workers from India’s northeastern states, citing cultural similarities and easy assimilation. Read more…

Taiwan fresh pork exports to Singapore restart after 15-year hiatus

The first batch of fresh pork from Taiwan was shipped to Singapore on Wednesday after the city state announced in November 2024 it would reopen its market to imports of Taiwanese pork for the first time in 15 years, a Taiwanese pork producer said. Read more…

Thailand

Bayer AG celebrates 62 years in Thailand with new collaboration plans

The multinational reaffirms its commitment to supporting Thailand’s health and agriculture sectors in meeting with Paetongtarn at Davos. Read more…

PM arrives in Davos, meets business leaders to boost investment in Thailand

During the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 (WEF AM25) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held discussions with senior executives from leading companies, including DP World, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola. Read more…

Durian exports to China resume amid strict policy to ensure quality

Thailand was allowed to resume durian exports to China on Monday as the Agriculture Ministry and relevant agencies have imposed a strict policy to ensure fruit quality. Read more…

Measures implemented to prevent agricultural burning

Agriculture and Cooperatives ministry to root out farmers who have taken part in burning their fields. Read more…

Thailand switching to low-carbon rice to meet net-zero goal

The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is promoting low-carbon rice cultivation to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, tackle global warming and boost competitiveness in the global market. Read more…

Singapore

Urban Farms Take Root In Singapore’s Race For More Food Self-Sufficiency – Analysis

Singapore’s ambitious bid to revolutionise food security has turned it into a living experiment in high-tech urban farming and novel food production. Read more…

Brazil, Singapore sign agreement for pork trade in case of ASF

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has signed a regionalisation agreement with Singapore to ensure trade in meat and pork products in the event of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Brazil, according to a government-issued press releaseRead more…

Vietnam

Vietnam’s feed companies struggle with soybean meal supply

Amid a jump in global prices, the nation’s feed manufacturers are also being challenged by administrative inconsistencies related to imported soybean meal. Read more…


Plant Science Updates

USDA ERS Report Shows Recent Trends on GE Crop Adoption in the US

Chinese scientists decode popular sugarcane variety

CRISPR technology transforms mustard greens, paving the way for innovative crops

Expected Profitability and Perception Drive Farmer’s Participation in GM Crop Farming

Researchers explore breakthrough approach to combat devastating citrus greening disease

Gene-silencing Spray to Fight Fusarium Head Blight in Cereal Crops

Gene-edited soil bacteria could provide third source of nitrogen for corn production

Researchers Test Dual-process Framework for Understanding Acceptance of Genetic Modification


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AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – September 2024

Stay rooted in the latest agriculture news updates!  


Country News 

Australia/New Zealand

Trigall Australia gets go-ahead for trial of GM wheat

QUT-developed GM Cavendish QCAV-4: it tastes great

FSANZ Opens Public Comment Period for GM Sugar Beet

COGEM Releases Advice on Renewal of Import and Processing of GM Oilseed Rape MON88302

China 

Steps taken to ensure food security

China issues action plan for Africa including agricultural modernization and technology transfers

Soaring vegetable prices add to woes facing households in China

India

Women, youth, farmers, poor central to BJP, Cong manifestos

States asked to choose between MSP and deficiency payment

Farm bodies skeptical of agriculture policy’s viability

Indonesia

Peru and Indonesia hold third round negotiations for Trade Agreement

IKN to Implement Modern Agriculture, Observer Reminds of Indonesia’s Food Estate Failure

Indonesia eyes China’s agricultural technology for achieving food self-sufficiency

Indonesia seeks Australia’s expertise for food self-sufficiency

Korea

Exports of Korean Agri-food Products Have Increased for 12 Consecutive Months

South Korea: Prolonged heatwaves lead to brown planthopper infestations, ravaging rice farms

Brazil and South Korea discuss tariff cuts for grapes and strawberries

Malaysia

Agrobank signs MoU with Borong for RM300m MSME financing

Farmers can Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Philippines

50,000 rice farmers seen to benefit from new DBP facility

DA chief: new law declares smuggling, hoarding of agricultural products as economic sabotage

Taiwan

Taiwan denounces China for discontinuing tariff exemptions on farm goods

Taiwan Smart Agriweek kicks off in Taipei

Young Agricultural Ambassadors visit Malaysia, where they explore how to bring Taiwan agriproducts in line with international halal certification standards and develop markets in New Southbound Policy partner countries

Thailand

Thai rice export prices hit 14-month low

Uzbekistan and Thailand to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, and tourism

Singapore 

Singapore’s homegrown farming dream is beginning to fade

Vietnam

Frozen durian exports could reach 300 million USD in 2024

Vietnam is ready to share agricultural experiences with African countries


Global News

FAO sees open trade as a cornerstone of global food security

Bilateral meetings highlight the importance of cooperation in technology, international trade, sustainable production, and the fight against hunger

Update from G20 Agricultural Ministers Meeting

CropLife International applauds G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Declaration

CropLife International welcomes Recommendations of B20 Task Force as “a true roadmap for meaningful food system transformation”

Photo credit: g20.org, Photo by Guilherme Martimon/MAPA

Plant Science Updates

Super golden lettuce richer in vitamin A

Gene Editing to Produce Gluten-Free Wheat

Health and Environmental Concerns Influence Consumers’ GM Food Consumption

Century-old experiment secures beer and whiskey’s future

The next ‘big thing’ in genetically modified crops: Drought-tolerant and herbicide resistant wheat. Here’s what you need to know


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DON’T MISS OUT: CATCH UP ON OUR LATEST PODCASTS!

In case you’ve missed any of our recent podcasts, now is the perfect time to catch up! We’ve covered some insightful interviews from great leaders in the field of agriculture that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for the latest innovations, expert opinions, or just some engaging conversations, revisiting these episodes will definitely be worth your while. Take a moment to look back and enjoy the valuable content we’ve shared with you!

Ep37 | Emily Rees on Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Food Systems

In this podcast, hear out Emily Rees, President and CEO of CropLife International, as she emphasizes how agriculture and ag innovation plays a big role in attaining sustainable food systems around the globe. She also touches on challenges that women experience that prevents them to have full participation in different aspects. 
Enabling functioning supply chains, supporting policies, continuous research and development of technologies for a climate smart agriculture – just to name a few of the advocacies and program that CropLife and its members support.


Ep 38 | Prajwal Shahi on Smallholder Farmers and the Importance of Partnerships

Prajwal Shahi, Portfolio Advisor – Agriculture, PRISMA, talks about important innovations that help elevate the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Here, Prajwal highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in pushing agendas forward to alleviate climate change, and also in ensuring a better life for the smallholder farmers.


Ep 39 | Khalil Hegarty on the ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability Report

Here, Khalil Manaf Hegarty, Director of Oxley Hegarty and author of the ASEAN Food Systems Sustainability, speaks about the diversity of food systems, culture and regions, making the idea of “one-size-fits-all” a faulty concept. He also provides context about the EU Green Deal for the food and agriculture industry.


Ep 40 | Erika Balzarelli on Smallholder Farmers and Sustainability
Ep 41 | Francine Sayoc on the Importance of Seed and Partnerships

In Ep 40, Erika Balzerelli, founder of The Sustainable Smallholder, highlights the trends and patterns in the challenges that smallholder farmers face, as well as the roles that cultures and traditions can play in the ways of engaging effectively with them. Learn about the importance of engaging smallholder farmers, and how existing technologies paired with an effective system of providing education and accessibility can help improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers, while being sustainable.

While in Ep 41, we got to discuss about the beginning of the food system – Seeds. Let’s engage with Francine Sayoc, Executive Director of The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) as she highlights the importance of educating farmers on the legalities of seeds and the tools that would help farmers with their livelihood. She also stated how public-private partnerships are essential in agriculture, both to the farmer, and the food supply chain.

Hope you had a blast in listening to our podcasts! Subscribe in Asia’s Farm to Fork: 5 Good Questions Podcast through the different channels below.

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HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT WOMEN AND AG SCIENCE?

By: CropLife International

This month marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021. Ensuring full and equal participation of women and girls in education and science is crucial to realising the potential of science as a means of improving the world. Gender equality and science have been identified by the UN as vital to achieving the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

While things have improved significantly, but women and girls still face barriers to their full participation in science and education. Take this quiz to test your knowledge on women and girls in science.

CAREER FIELD GUIDE FOR WOMEN IN PLANT SCIENCE

By: CropLife International

Are you a woman interested in a career in plant science? Here’s a field guide to help you get started.

Believe it or not, plant science is not just about farming! Whether you are interested in engineering, or biology, there is a myriad of opportunities in the plant science industry for women. While women have always played a vital role in feeding the world, they can now do so in so many new fields, not just farming.

And there’s a real need for increased representation of women in plant science. The plant science industry is working hard to close the gender gap and increase opportunities for women to have equal access to technologies and plant science solutions; however, women from some countries and regions still face significant hurdles. While the majority of working women in developing countries rely on agriculture as their main form of income, only about a quarter of agricultural researchers in Africa are women—and of that quarter, only 14% hold leadership positions within their research teams.

Climate change, population growth and other factors present challenges to all farmers – but women often lack access to the technologies and innovations that can help them improve yields and increase incomes. Ensuring that women have access to tools and plant science innovations they need to succeed is key to promoting global food security and helping create a world with zero hunger

Encouraging and promoting opportunities for women in agriculture — be it through working on a farm or pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) concentration — ultimately helps to address global issues related to climate change, biodiversity and societal rights. The plant science industry is in a unique position to approach these issues with viable solutions — by addressing inequality within the industry, we can better work towards solving these global issues for good.

CropLife International encourages diversity and inclusion in the field of plant science. If you’ve ever thought about a future in the plant science industry, read through this helpful field guide to see what opportunities lie ahead.

GETTING STARTED

As you’re starting your career, a wide range of concentrations and opportunities are available to you. It’s important to think about what kind of job you want to do and which aspects of STEM interest you the most. Are you most interested in genetics? Perhaps a job as a biochemist or a biotechnologist would be best for you. If chemistry is your passion, then take a look at becoming a toxicologist. If you’ve always had a curiosity for insects or bugs, check out the life of an entomologist.

No matter what your passion, interests, location, even likes and dislikes may be, you are sure to find an opportunity in plant science just for you. There’s many different paths you can choose!

In fact, there is such an incredible amount of job diversity in agriculture, that you are not even limited to working directly with plants. If you like math and have a specific interest in finance or accounting, an agrifinance firm may be the right place to start your career. On the other hand, if the idea of working on a farm or in a field of crops sounds appealing to you, you can become an agroecologist and develop sustainable soil management practices, such as Soil Health Institute Chief Science Officer Dr. Cristine Morgan and Water Smart Agriculture Program Regional Technical Advisor Dr. Marie-Soleil Turmel. Careers in agriculture extend even beyond the STEM fields—rural sociology and agricultural communications are just two examples of even more opportunity in agriculture.

WORDS OF WISDOM

As you work to secure your dream job in agriculture or STEM, there may be some challenges or snags you hit along the way—do not let them discourage you! While the gender gap in agriculture remains, progress is being made year after year, and barriers are being broken down by ambitious and driven women in science – leading the way for those that may follow in their footsteps.

Take it from the words of some of the women CropLife International has previously featured in our  Female #FoodHeroes campaign:

“While barriers remain, I believe the situation for women in science has improved over where it has been historically. Around the world, movements like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science help to highlight the gaps that remain, but more importantly, the achievements of women in STEM fields. These are important steps in the right direction.”

– Cari Carstens, Global Regulatory Lead – Seed Applied Technologies & Biologicals at Corteva Agriscience, United States

“One piece of advice I want to give to young women in agricultural science is to expand your interests. Take time to look around, read more and talk to more people. Even if you already have a specific area to focus on, having a broad knowledge-base and interests will allow you to innovate more through interaction.”

– Xi Chen, Group Leader at Syngenta Beijing Innovation Center, China

“I would advise young women today to obtain an education in the field of agriculture, and after graduating ask that they return to help develop agriculture in their home villages…I would like to form a Women’s Farmer Group. As women we must be food heroes, for the generations to come.”

– Ibu Kholliqunah, Farmer in Lumajang, East Java, Indonesia

“Women need to be better represented in agriculture. New solutions require diverse perspectives, different genders and different regional outlooks…Working with agriculture or food systems is an awesome opportunity for those interested in being part of the solution to deliver the global goals from plant breeding to data science and innovations! We need more diversity — we need more women.”

– Gabriela Burian, Sustainable Food Systems Lead for Bayer, United States

“The expectations of you and your role as a woman (and mother) in agriculture and industry, may be very different to how you feel and what you want to do in your life. Be brave, be smart, be energetic. Don´t hold back! And look for role models and mentors to inspire you during tough times. Networks help. And taking breaks to recharge your batteries.”

– Elke Duwenig, Senior Expert in Biotechnology, BASF, Germany

“As a teacher and farmer, I would encourage a young farmer to expand her own knowledge and seek out knowledgeable people who want to see her grow as a good steward of the land. Growing sustainable food is the most essential career in the world. Civilizations depend on us, so own this role with pride and integrity.”

– Jeannette Andrashewski, Farmer, Canada

“My biggest challenge was believing in myself and knowing I was qualified enough to take on the next challenge. Mentoring and role models have been key to overcoming these doubts, and they have enabled me to grow and now be in a position where I can do the same for young women in agriculture. I believe there is a need for more mentoring programs for women in agriculture.”

– Catherine Feuillet, Chief Science Officer, Inari Agriculture, United States

“Follow your interest, bring your passion and commitment to work and make your voice heard. Now is a fantastic time to get involved to shape the future of farming. Technologies are progressing at a significant pace and opportunities are endless. We need individuals with curiosity, creativity and the will to make a difference.”

– Jutta Boehmer, Head of Crop Protection Research Bioscience, Syngenta, United Kingdom

“This may sound simple, but one thing that took me many years to learn is that my voice and my ideas are important. To all women and men out there who are still finding their own voice – don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Chances are, you may also be speaking on behalf of someone else who hasn’t spoken up, and you may inspire them to raise their own voice the next time.”

– Laura Potter, Head of Analytics & Data Sciences, Syngenta, United States

“My advice is for them to educate themselves, to learn, and be very good at what they do. One important career differential is the ability to manage a business and people, but we cannot afford to lose our understanding of the differences between human beings: between men and women, youth and adults, the rich and the poor. We have to respect those differences and learn that everyone around us has something to add to our daily lives and to agriculture.”

– Hilda Andrea Loschi, Agronomist Engineer, Brazil

“Agriculture needs young women to not only be part of the industry but to step up and lead. Young women can use social media to advocate for modern agriculture and share their perspectives with peers who want to know if their food is grown in a safe and sustainable manner.”

– Shannon Hauf, Senior Vice President and Head of Crop Technology for Soybeans, Bayer, United States

We’ve spoken with dozens of other Female #FoodHeroes who have given us great insight into being a woman in the plant science industry. If you don’t have time to read through these testimonials (and we encourage you to do so!) there are a couple key takeaways these inspirational women agree upon:

  • Be your own cheerleader
  • Find a mentor in the industry who can help you grow and navigate challenges
  • Support, encourage and advocate for women in your industry
  • Don’t lose sight of your initial ambition and goals
  • Seek out opportunities to learn new things
  • Your perspective is valuable – let it be heard!

LAUNCHING YOUR CAREER

Soon it will be time to tidy up your CV (curriculum vitae) and cover letter and start applying for your dream job. While you’re finalizing your application materials, consider where you might look to apply. Almost everywhere you look, there are support systems and opportunities available to help you on your path. FMC Corp., for example, has partnered with the Women’s Initiative Network to help support professional development opportunities for women in the company. Sumitomo offers resources from career support to childcare support to support working mothers. Corteva launched an internal platform called Common Ground to elevate the voices of women in agriculture and advocate for change.

Other companies have set targets to encourage women in leadership and management roles. BASF  Corporation is actively seeking to promote women in leadership roles within their company, and Bayer is dedicated to gender balance in management positions. And in 2016, Syngenta was recognized by Women in Agribusiness (WIA) as the company of the year for diversity thanks to its progressive diversity and inclusion policy and commitments.

Besides these companies’ career pages, you can review career sites like AgCareers.com to find a company or position that best suits you. If you’re considering a university (or are already in university!) in the U.S. think about getting involved in Annie’s Project or the Sigma Alpha professional agriculture sorority to grow your connections — and also meet new friends! Similar affinity groups are available in many countries globally. If you’ve already graduated, reach out to the Women, Food and Agriculture Network and see if there’s an upcoming virtual conference you can attend.

CONCLUSION

By bringing the best and brightest women to the forefront of the agriculture industry, we can not only make huge strides in achieving equality, but also work towards solving global challenges that threaten our very existence. Food insecurity, biodiversity and even climate change can be better addressed and mitigated if we encourage more diversity in plant science. Through resources like this, we at CropLife International hope we can help jumpstart successful careers for brilliant, ambitious women all over.

If you have found this field guide helpful and inspiring, please share it with friends or family who may also find value in it. And for similar content from CropLife International, check out our Female #FoodHeroes series and our video on five influential women changing the landscape of agriculture for the better.

FOOD SECURITY AND BEYOND: THE INTERSECTION OF AGRICULTURE WITH CLIMATE CHANGE, BIODIVERSITY AND SOCIAL RIGHTS

By: CropLife International

It’s been 50 years since Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to global food security. Over the last half-century, agriculture has leveraged science and innovation to continue the Green Revolution that Dr. Borlaug started to help grow rural communities and agricultural economies, and sustainably feed our population. This year’s recognition of the World Food Programme for the Nobel Peace Prize shows us that there is still much work to be done to achieve Zero Hunger. Farmers globally are challenged with sustainably growing safe and nutritious foods while adjusting to climate change conditions and working to preserve biodiversity and the environment.

Agriculture is moving beyond just improving food security and can significantly help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A new generation of agriculturalists, environmentalists, and changemakers will help shape how agriculture will intersect with not just climate change, biodiversity, and livelihoods, but also social rights including how agriculture can improve equity and access.

The 2020 World Food Prize and International Borlaug Dialogue is taking place in 2020 from October 12 – 16. This year’s theme is “Breaking New Ground: Building Resilience Today for Improved Global Food Systems Tomorrow.”

CropLife International organized a virtual side event to recognize the achievements of Dr. Norman Borlaug and his impact of farming today, with a panel discussing the journey agriculture will take in the next 50 years. Featuring a welcome from CropLife International President and CEO Giulia Di Tommaso, the panel was moderated by Christine Gould, founder and CEO of Thought For Food and member of the Advisory Committee for the UN Food Systems Summit. Panelists included Michael Doane, Global Managing Director for Sustainable Food and Water at The Nature Conservancy, and Cassia Moraes, Founder and CEO of Youth Climate Leaders.

Don’t have time to watch the full event? Please see a summary below of the panelists’ contributions; their respective fireside chats have also been pulled out into separate videos.

Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture: A Discussion with Michael Doane
Creating a balanced, sustainable relationship with nature is critical for feeding a growing global population today and for future generations. Finding that balance is no easy task, but Michael Doane has spent his career working to ensure agriculture can thrive through a sustainable lens.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the land and water that sustains all life on our planet. Michael’s role with The Nature Conservancy is to find ways to scale up conservation outcomes across productively managed farming, ranching and agroforestry landscapes.

CropLife International invited Michael to participate in a virtual fireside chat moderated by Christine Gould. In this interview, Michael highlights that a sustainable relationship with agriculture and nature is not only completely possible, it’s become more mainstream through the adoption of “regenerative agriculture.”

While there is certainly a long way to go, the spark to jumpstart a sustainable restoration agenda exists and is ready to ignite. Watch Michael recount his experiences in advocating for sustainability and share his thoughts on the impact of Dr. Norman Borlaug and the Green Revolution:

Youth Fighting Climate Change: A Discussion with Cassia Moraes
In order to meet our goals in implementing sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the effects of climate change, we need a grassroots movement. Cassia Moraes’ job is to connect and mobilize youth to grow that movement to fuel progress toward a more sustainable future.
Cassia Moraes founded Youth Climate Leaders, a global youth leadership network dedicated to connecting and organizing youth to fight climate change. Inspired by Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth, Cassia has dedicated the better part of the last decade to finding innovative ways to fight climate change.

Cassia sat down with Christine Gould to talk about what the Youth Climate Leaders organization does, how Cassia empowers young people to become climate leaders, and what the plant science industry can to do curb the effects of climate change.

Cassia emphasizes that even though the issue of climate change may seem daunting and overwhelming, anyone can make a difference on the individual level to help mitigate its effects — and this growing movement is cause for optimism. Watch Cassia recount her experiences in advocating for sustainability and share her thoughts on the impact of Dr. Borlaug and the Green Revolution:

Farming Perspectives: Looking to the Future
The side event was organized in partnership with the Global Farmer Network (GFN) and featured a short video interview with two young farmers who work with the Global Farmer Network: Ruramiso Mashumba, Farmer in Marondera, Zimbabwe and Diego Guigou, Agronomist in Dolores, Uruguay. They spoke about the major challenges facing food and feed production today, and what steps can be taken to ensure agriculture continues to flourish in the future.

Click here to read the full interviews with Ruramiso and Diego.