As the world looks forward to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, agriculture is stepping into the spotlight in the climate change conversation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that agriculture accounts for 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a critical area for action.
Petra Laux, Chief Sustainability Officer at Syngenta Group, emphasizes this point: “Agriculture not only feeds us but can also help tackle climate change. We must maximize every acre of agricultural land without expanding into untouched areas, as about 40% of the Earth’s land is already used for food production.” She believes that technological innovations hold the potential to increase productivity while preserving the environment.
Syngenta, a leader in agricultural technology, outlines five key strategies to transform farming into a climate-positive force. These include:
- Revitalizing Degraded Land: Using modern soil restoration techniques.
- Advancing Resilient Crop Varieties: Developing crops that can withstand difficult climates.
- Increasing Productivity: Leveraging innovative technologies and nature-based solutions.
- Scaling Precision Agriculture: Applying resources precisely to enhance harvests.
- Promoting Regenerative Practices: Implementing methods that build soil health and enhance carbon storage.
Amid these advancements, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is alerting us to the urgent need for innovation in their upcoming roadmap report for COP30. A study by Deloitte reveals that to meet global food demands, around 50% of improvements in supply will need to come from innovation and technology.
However, global agricultural productivity is stagnating. A recent Virginia Tech report highlighted a mere 0.76% global productivity growth, while demands are expected to rise over 1% annually. For the agricultural sector to sustainably meet growing needs, a productivity increase of 2% per year is essential from 2024 to 2050.
Syngenta’s commitment to sustainability includes initiatives like the REVERTE program in Brazil, aiming to restore 1 million hectares of degraded land. This project particularly focuses on the Cerrado biome, working alongside The Nature Conservancy to help farmers shift from clearing native forest to restoring land.
A similar project has launched in Paraguay to support local farmers in adopting regenerative practices.
At COP30, Syngenta plans to host a discussion titled “Farming for the Future,” bringing together experts from various fields. The goal is to explore how to make sustainable farming practices both economically viable and widely adoptable.
This convergence of agriculture and climate action is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for a sustainable future. Engaging in these efforts can help bridge the gap between feeding the planet and protecting it.
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Agribusiness,Agriculture,Climate Change,global goals,greenhouse gas,innovation,innovative solutions,IPCC,microorganisms,Productivity,roadmap,soil restoration,Sustainability,Technology,transition,WBO
