?As an agricultural leader, we have an opportunity and responsibility to address problems farmers are facing,? states Becky Langer, biodiversity stakeholder manager for Bayer.
The multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company laid out a bold plan to address climate change, a growing population and limited resources.
Bayer plans to address these issues by ?adopting climate smart agriculture practices.? Becky Langer, biodiversity stakeholder manager for Bayer, speaks to overcoming such challenges in a timely fashion.
?We?re taking that by addressing three bold, transformational commitments in collaboration with farmers,? Langer said. ?One, we?ll reduce greenhouse gases per kilogram of key crop by 30-percent by 2030. Commitment Two will be to reduce impact reduction of crop protection chemicals by 30-percent by 2030. And the third is focused more on developing countries and that?s where we?ll empower 100 million small holders with access, knowledge, and information to allow them to sustainably grow crops.?
Langer admits, ?These are big goals.? However, Bayer is ?up to the challenge,? which requires support from several industry stakeholders.
?It?s going to take us working together with farmers; they?re key to the situation,? Langer said. ?Technical experts, business partners, and NGOs – They?re all going to play a critical role in educating, helping remove barriers and driving adoption of climate smart practices.?
Certified crop advisors (CCAs) and conservation officials can offer operation-specific solutions for sustainability. Langer encourage farmers to reach out to their respective consultants, as well as look to certain practicies.
?Ag has always been judged on productivity and yield, but that?s no longer enough. We?re going to have to look at how we are sustainably producing that yield,? Langer said. ?If you?re not looking at conservation or tillage, that?s one place to start. (Those) help with carbon sequestration in the soil. Cover crops (also) have many advantages.?
