Davos, 29 May 2022 (TDI): The Presidents of the Food Systems for the Future and the Crop Science Division, Bayer, called for a global collaboration to deal with the food crisis. The remarks were in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the resulting disturbance in the global food chain.
How collaboration can save a global food system in crisis #wef22 @Bayer4Crops https://t.co/gB8ZgI2re5
— World Economic Forum (@wef) May 25, 2022
The situation
They explained that 500 million people may endure severe hunger in the coming year. And to deal with this, collaboration and cooperation among important agricultural players are essential. This will stabilize the global food system.
Designed agriculture is key. It will help with the resilience of the climate, including carbon-smart solutions and biological fertilizer options.
They talked about how the consequences of the crisis in Ukraine are being felt all over the world and how they have shattered the worldwide food chain. Climate change and COVID-19 have already thrown it off kilter.
The world is on the verge of a huge humanitarian tragedy. The nations must work together swiftly on concrete steps to confront the impact head-on.
On the highs and lows and the role of Bayer:
Countries weakened by the pandemic need strategic cooperation. This cooperation should be between global agriculture players and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Governments and NGOs should also be part of this cooperation. This is since one organization can not do the job alone.
All leaders must play a part, and Bayer is responsible for acting as a global leader in agriculture. They are mobilizing their resources and networks as the impact on food supplies spreads from Ukraine.
This is to address the main areas of importance. These include assisting Ukrainian farmers and maintaining long-term climate adaptability. It also includes stabilizing supplies in the Middle East and East Africa.
Delay in production
The war is causing a disaster for Ukraine’s agricultural system during the spring planting season. Ukrainian farmers struggle around the clock in the combat zone to keep their harvests alive.
However, this year, they are only anticipated to harvest half of the customary 80 million tonnes of grain. Global leaders have supplied 40,000 seed packs to help farmers grow food on approximately 30,000 hectares of land.
In Ukraine, the seeds will benefit 1,250 small farmers. It will help people who are having trouble obtaining spins for the 2022 growing season. Unfortunately, if the free passage of food, fuel, and fertilizer out of the region is restricted, this will be a drop in the bucket.
According to the United Nations, food costs increased by 34% in the year to March. Cereal costs have increased by 37%. The most vulnerable countries and people bear the brunt of these consequences.
The subsequent challenges
As a result, new obstacles or export restrictions will not fix the problem. Protectionism of crops has no place in today’s world. There is still an ongoing request for more humanitarian aid and safe import routes.
The release of grain stocks to the market by countries should be a must. They must support the UN World Food Program’s efforts to alleviate hunger. Many farmers in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are struggling to sustain their yields.
The costs of spiraling, fertilizer shortages, and extreme weather are all conspiring to weaken earnings. They also limit the ability of the producer to expand production. Bayer is, however, halfway to achieving the objective it set for itself in 2019.
By 2030, the goal is to help 100 million smallholders increase their productivity. It provides training, advice, and access to cutting-edge seed and crop protection technologies. In addition, targeted resources must be provided to smallholder farmers. This supports the critical role they play in global food systems and reduces volatility.
On Sustainability
Finally, global agriculture must plan and act to achieve climate resilience. Farmers must produce more food with fewer inputs on the same land. It is a difficult task that necessitates breakthroughs in plant science, digital technologies, and crop protection.
Bayer companies are already investing in more resources that are efficient. They are financing carbon-conscious agricultural solutions. The finances are both independent and in collaboration with others.
As a result of climate change, short-stature corn, for example, can survive the weather that is harsh. It has the potential to ensure the food security of millions of people. The focus should also be on fertilizers, with the goal of creating biological alternatives to artificial fertilizers.
Artificial fertilizer is not only responsible for 4% of world greenhouse gas emissions. Its supply chain is mainly reliant on Russia. Bayer is stepping up its efforts and forming new collaborations in this area.
The opportunity for further work together with new biotech pioneers continues to grow. Leaders must promise communication of valuable benefits from the environment of these technologies. Those who collaborate with public institutions and non-governmental organizations, in particular.
Corporate executives must meet these challenges. They must work together, fast, and refocus on the long-term goal of ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply. The global food system must be prioritized in global policy discussions. Isolation of the current problem cannot and should not happen.
