DuPont Leader: Increasing Productivity for Both Large- and Small-Scale Farmers Critical

Collaboration and Innovation Key to Sustainably Feeding Growing Global Population

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Jun 09, 2010, 09:00 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Increasing farmer productivity in developed and developing economies is critical to meeting the challenge of feeding the world, and innovation is a powerful catalyst for both, DuPont (NYSE: DD) executive vice president James C. Borel, told participants at a Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City symposium.

"In a world of global trade and agricultural exports, it may come as a surprise to know that 85 percent of all food never crosses an international border," said Borel. "The bulk of the food to feed the hungry needs to come from the place where the hungry live.

"While the gap between production and population is often cited, the mismatch between the location of agriculture production and the location of people makes the challenge all the more daunting," said Borel. "Most of the population growth is coming from the less economically developed areas. Of the 81 million people added to the global population in 2005, 79.5 million were in the developing world.

"Agricultural exports from the United States and other countries must remain strong, but they are not enough," said Borel. "We must produce more, everywhere, in increasingly sustainable ways."

The science of plant genetics is size neutral and can deliver productivity gains whether it's a farmer in central Iowa with 1,000 acres of corn, or a small farmer in the Philippines with a half hectare. And scientific advances are being made across the agriculture industry at an accelerated pace, including better yields, improved nutrition and value; better environmental sustainability; and improved crop protection.

"Yet, we need to look beyond science," said Borel. "The most valuable innovation comes from collaboration – the ability to harness collective ingenuity and resources – from farmers to public researchers and governments to organizations and private companies."

"Through global collaboration and innovation, we can increase the future productivity of agriculture even more than past history would suggest," he said. "We can meet the world's demand for more food – and, we can do it while improving nutritional benefits and raising the standards of environmental stewardship.

"We can empower farmers to be productive in all parts of the world. In short, we can set the stage for the next agricultural revolution."

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in approximately 80 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

SOURCE DuPont