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Latest News, Newsletter

AGRICULTURE NEWS UPDATES IN ASIA – January 2025

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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…

Photo Credit: CropLife India Facebook Page

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 release.  Read 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

Credits to the owners of the news embedded on this post.

Latest News, Press Release

CropLife Asia supports FAO World Food Day call on “Right to Foods for a Better Life & a Better Future” / Need for greater AgTech adoption to meet SDG2 challenge highlighted

Singapore, 16 October 2024 – As the world marks World Food Day, CropLife Asia is taking the opportunity to highlight how enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative technologies and sustainable agricultural practices can help drive greater food security and accessibility to a healthy diet in Asia-Pacific. The challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger (SDG2) remains daunting in the region and around the world.

According to the United Nations (UN) 2024 State of Food Security & Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, Asia remains home to the largest number of those facing hunger globally at 384.5 million and accounts for a larger share of the number of food-insecure people in the world at 1.18 billion. Furthermore, a healthy diet remains out of reach for 2.83 billion people worldwide with 1.66 billion facing this challenge in Asia alone as highlighted in the SOFI reporti. The cost of a healthy diet has risen since 2017 globally with the cost being the second highest in Asia at 4.20 PPP dollarsii.

“This World Food Day, we must work together to ensure that the right to safe, nutritious and affordable food remains accessible to all,” said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, Executive Director of CropLife Asia. “With 1 out of 11 people facing hunger globally, the need to ensure food systems that are more safe, secure and sustainable is more important than ever before. Harnessing the power of advanced and innovative plant science technologies can help drive agricultural productivity while protecting the world around us – and is an increasingly critical component in realizing the promise of SDG2.”

Plant science innovation such as plant biotechnology and genome editing along with crop protection products play an important role in ensuring a stable food supply, managing and protecting natural resources as well as driving national economies. Biotech crops have increased global food, feed and fibre production by nearly 1 billion tonnes from 1996 to 2020iii. These innovations also support sustainability by producing crops that address climate change impacts such as drought and flooding while utilizing nutrients more efficiently and delivering better nutrition to humans and livestock.

About CropLife Asia
CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development.

For more information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.
For more information please contact:
Duke Hipp
Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
CropLife Asia
Tel: (65) 6221 1615
duke.hipp@croplifeasia.org

i FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en
ii FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. 2024. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 – Financing to end hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1254en
iii Brookes G. (2022). Farm income and production impacts from the use of genetically modified (GM) crop technology 1996-2020. GM Crops & Food, 13(1), 171-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645698.2022.2105626

Latest News

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

Credits to the website owners of the news embedded on this post.

Facts, Feature Section, Latest News, Video

CASSAVA: HOW PLANT SCIENCE IS HELPING IMPROVE THIS STAPLE CROP

Today, PLANT SCIENCE INNOVATIONS are making staple crops more profitable, more nutritious and better protected against unpredictable weather. Cassava is no exception. Both farmers and consumers throughout the world can reap the benefits of varieties that are healthier, heartier and more abundant.

Cassava provides sustenance for over 800 million people. A perennial woody shrub native to Latin America, cassava is primarily grown as an annual crop in the humid tropics. Studies indicate it is the only staple crop that stands to benefit from climate change. As more land is rendered unusable due to changing temperature and rainfall patterns, cassava will likely gain ground as a staple around the globe.

We spoke with Chiedozie Egesi of NextGen Cassava Breeding Project, who is at the forefront of new innovations to enhance this already resilient and hearty staple crop. Read our interview with him to learn how and why cassava is a major staple crop of the developing world and what its future holds. (This interview has been formatted for brevity and clarity.)

Chiedozie Egesi – Project Leader at NextGen Cassava Breeding Project
Chiedozie Egesi, leader of the NextGen Cassava Breeding Project, tells us how he and his team are developing better cassava plants to resist challenging growing conditions, be more productive and deliver more nutrition.

Tell me about your role at NextGen Cassava. What type of research do you lead?

Our main objective is to empower African cassava farmers through innovative, sustainable cassava breeding. We have begun the process of modernizing cassava breeding institutions in Africa and use cutting-edge tools for efficient delivery of improved varieties of cassava.

My role includes project coordination, charting the course we take and ensuring that our partners are supported to deliver on the project mandate. We specialize in cassava breeding implementation—cutting-edge research technologies that make for more efficient processes and demand-led breeding.

Why is cassava a staple crop in South America, Africa, and other developing countries?

Cassava is a major calorie source for over 800 million people. It has high productivity in marginal environments, making it an invaluable asset for food security—it survives where other crops fail. It also has naturally high resilience to climatic changes. Finally, it is produced mainly by smallholders [farmers with less than 2 hectares of land] – mostly women – with simple technologies, allowing it to be easily grown across multiple countries and environments.

What challenges have cassava farmers faced in recent years?

Cassava producers face several main challenges these days. First, many pests and diseases have constrained production for cassava growers. Part of this is actually because of cassava’s long growth cycle—its long duration in the field increases its exposure to pests and viruses. Also, cassava is perishable, which leads to limited flexibility in handling. Lastly, poorly linked value chains in Africa cause frequent boom-and-bust cycles of high and low productivity. The markets have not been well developed to make for sustainable agribusiness.

How have plant science innovations helped cassava farmers?

A recent example is the timely delivery of new, “best-bet” varieties to cassava farmers. Genomic selection is an integral technology that has enabled us to get these more resilient, more productive and more nutritious varieties. We have employed innovative “citizen science” approaches to enable participatory selection of improved varieties. In addition, new technologies have helped us rapidly screen large breeding populations. Others include techniques to improve flowering in cassava, an essential step for hybridization through pollination. Application of a combination of hormones has enabled us to make cross combinations that were not very easily done due to the poor flowering of some cassava varieties.

Which plant science innovations does NextGen Cassava utilize in its work with smallholder farmers?

We predicted the performance of new varieties based on the genetic information of their parents using modeling systems. This allowed us to reduce the generational cycle time for cassava from about 10 years to five. Better varieties can now get to farmers faster, and we are still working on further improving this. We are designing research that maps preferences and links to social differences such as gender, age, education, region, poverty and food security levels.

How will climate change continue to impact cassava and smallholder farmers?

Cassava is one of the most climate-smart crops in the tropics and has the capacity to withstand changes in the atmosphere, which it can use to its advantage for more productivity. As climate change continues to be a challenge for smallholder growers in Africa, cassava farmers stand a better chance to make more profitable agribusiness due to the robustness of the crop. 

How will supporting plant science innovations help communities that depend on cassava?

Support for plant science innovations is needed to help communities that depend on cassava in Africa. New technologies will transform cassava production and deliver the best varieties for maximum impact on growers and their families.

For more information about cassava and its role as a staple crop in different countries around the world, please check out these resources:

Kenya Approves Disease-Resistant Biotech Cassava

In June 2021, the Kenya National Biosafety Authority approved the environmental release of genetically modified cassava, which is resistant to cassava brown streak disease. The disease-resistant cassava was developed under the Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa Plus project, a collaborative program between Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, National Crops Resources Research Institute of Uganda and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Learn more about this breakthrough from the Cornell Alliance for Science and ISAAA.

Repairing the Root of the Problem

Despite the ability to turn cassava into an endless number of palatable dishes, the tuber has two major issues affecting the people who rely on it the most. First, cassava faces the threat of brown streak disease, limiting available food and second, the crop has a natural toxin that can cause severe physical and mental damage in the populations who need it most. For the millions it feeds, this important crop must be usable. That’s where plant biotechnology and gene editing come in. This video from the American Seed Trade Association and University of California at Berkeley shows the research being done to improve this staple crop for the millions who depend on it.

Save and Grow Cassava: A Guide to Sustainable Production Intensification
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has published a booklet about the production of cassava. It notes that cassava was first cultivated 9,000 years ago on the southern edge of the Brazilian Amazon, where it is still grown. Today, around 300 million tons of cassava are produced globally, with Nigeria as the world’s largest producer. Around 90 percent of harvested roots are destined for human consumption, while about 10 percent are semi-processed on-farm as animal feed. Read the entire 100-page PDF on the FAO website.

African Scientists Improve Cassava to Help Feed the World
A 2019 article in the journal Nature explains how researchers at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria are using both traditional breeding and genetic modification to improve the starchy staple crop. In Africa, where consumption is highest, cassava plants bear smaller yields than their cousins in Asia and South America. But African varieties tend to be more tolerant of blights, such as the deadly cassava mosaic disease now spreading across Asia.

Source: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

Breeding Better Crops, From Maize to Cassava
In this video from the Gates Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and Cornell University, plant geneticist Ed Buckler explains that cassava has not been bred as effectively as other crops – such as maize – and there is tremendous potential including disease and insect resistance, by taking new, modern breeding tools and applying them to cassava.

Developing GM Super Cassava For Improved Health and Food Security: Future Challenges in Africa
The potential for GM cassava also includes biofortification. According to a study in the open access journal Agriculture & Food Security, more than 800 million people suffer from micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries with Africa accounting for almost 50 percent of the children who are clinically or sub-clinically deficient in vitamin A, particularly under five years of age. The study found that an overwhelming majority of scientists agree that GM biofortified cassava will benefit the health of millions in Africa and that GM cassava conferred with disease and pest resistance will increase cassava production as it is currently plagued by cassava mosaic diseases (CMD).

Latest News

UNDER THREAT – HOW PLANT SCIENCE IS TACKLING FIVE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DESTRUCTIVE THREATS TO CROPS

By: CropLife International

Across the globe, farmers are protecting our global food supply from the world’s most destructive pests. Check out these infographics below to see how plant science is aiding farmers in their fight and providing sustainable approaches to pest management.

DESERT LOCUST

The Desert Locust is a serious threat to the food security of East Africa, and crop protection products play a key role in preventing hunger and starvation in the region.

FALL ARMYWORM

Fall Armyworm is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and has been found in Eastern and Central North America, South America, and most recently, detected in Africa and Asia. Because its mature moths can fly almost 500km (300 miles), it could quickly migrate from Africa into southern Europe.”

Farmers in China are looking to plant science innovations to help fight the fall armyworm, like FAW–resistant biotech corn, and other IPM technologies in their agricultural toolkit.

FUSARIUM TR4

Already threatening farmer livelihoods across Asia and Africa, the TR4 fusarium fungus is now hitting South American banana plantations and has no known fungicidal treatment, but there is hope thanks to the advancement of genetic modification technologies.

Given the rapid spread and devastation of Fusarium TR4, genetic engineering tools offer an effective, safe, and viable way to develop resistant varieties. Genetic engineering, which facilitates the transfer of useful genes across species, has been shown to offer numerous advantages to circumvent the natural bottlenecks to breeding bananas for its improvement.

The example of the Gros Michel and the Cavendish banana varieties highlight the significant threat posed by a pest that has no control method and the importance of an effective and accessible agricultural toolkit, including genetic modification technologies.

BLACK POD

West Africa is a powerhouse of cocoa production, but one of the world’s most beloved crops is facing immense pressure from pests, and farmers are working harder than ever to keep the supply of cocoa going, on top of facing climate related stressors.

West Africa is also suffering under the Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) which can kill trees in just three years, and has no cure. It is estimated that since 1946 more than 200 million cocoa trees have been cut down due to CSSV.

Ensuring that West Africa farmers have access to the full agricultural toolkit will enable them to effectively meet the challenge of pest management on their cocoa farms. Without flexible and accessible options, the world’s supply of one of its more treasured crops could be under serious threat.

SPEARGRASS

Integrated pest management is critical in dealing with some of the toughest of pests, like speargrass, that would otherwise run rampant destroying millions of hectares of crops. It is critical for farmers to not only have access to, but be educated on the variety of plant science technologies that are available to them.

Latest News

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.