Accelerating the scale, scope and speed of climate-positive agriculture is a critical focus, according to business and association leaders who participated in a side panel discussion at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held Monday in Glasgow and virtually.
The discussion, "Propelling the Shift to Climate-Positive Agriculture," hosted by Corteva Agriscience and Financial Times, focused on how to support farmers worldwide with innovative approaches to generating income while reducing farm emissions. Panelists included Corteva Agriscience Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Sam Eathington, Cargill Agricultural Supply Chain North America Managing Director of Sustainability Ben Fargher, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action CEO Erin Fitzgerald, Truterra Vice President Jason Weller and Rainforest Alliance CEO Santiago Gowland.
The panelists concurred that sustainable farming practices that reduce emissions and increase profitability can co-exist, yet farmers need more support to ensure they can continue transitioning to the most advanced technologies, products and practices available.
"We have a shared responsibility to leverage science, technology and innovation across the sector to help reduce emissions and optimize sustainable agriculture. We must work together in addressing these pressing climate challenges -- delivering the innovative, collaborative solutions farmers need," Eathington said.
Eathington highlighted how Corteva is leveraging its scale and unique innovation advantages to enable climate reliance.
"It's vitally important that we find new ways to advance economically and environmentally sustainable ways to produce food," he said.
Categories: Minnesota, Business