Tuesday May 25 Ag News

USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning to Organic Producers in Nebraska

Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.

“By helping with organic certification costs – long identified as a barrier to certification – USDA has helped producers participate in new markets while investing in the long-term health of their operations,” said Farm Service Agency Nebraska State Executive Director John Berge. “We launched the Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program to build on the support offered through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program and provide additional assistance to organic and transitioning producers weathering the continued market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, in response to stakeholder feedback, we have aligned the signup dates for these two organic programs and encourage Nebraska producers to work with their local USDA Service Centers to complete the applications. We’re committed to making sure our organic producers and handlers have the tools they need to continue positively shaping our local and regional food systems.”

Cost Share for 2022
OTECP covers:  
-    Certification costs for organic producers and handlers (25% up to $250 per category).
-    Eligible expenses for transitional producers, including fees for pre-certification inspections and development of an organic system plan (75% up to $750).
-    Registration fees for educational events (75% up to $200).
-    Soil testing (75% up to $100).  

Meanwhile, OCCSP covers 50% or up to $500 per category of certification costs in 2022. This cost share for certification is available for each of these categories: crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling and State organic program fees.   

Producers can receive cost share through both OTECP and OCCSP. Both OTECP and OCCSP cover costs incurred from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022.  Producers have until October 31, 2022 to file applications, and FSA will make payments as applications are received.  

To apply, producers and handlers should contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at their local USDA Service Center. As part of completing the OCCSP applications, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses.



Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Awards Over $66,000 in Scholarships

Today, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation (NCF) announced they awarded over $66,000 in scholarships to help the next generation of the agriculture industry in their academic pursuits. The scholarships were awarded to fifty-one distinguished students.

President of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, Ryan Loeske stated, “The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation believes helping the next generation of cattlemen pursue their education is the key to continuing the world-class success of the Beef state. This year’s outstanding applicants are undoubtedly going to do great things for the future of the agriculture sector and we look forward to watching these young scholars grow their knowledge.” He continued, “None of this would be possible without the generosity of our many donors and those who gave to our Retail Value Steer Challenge Fundraising Project. It is humbling to see communities across Nebraska come together to help these students.”

Beef State Scholar also announced
The Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation also announced Miss TaraLee Hudson of Belvidere, Nebraska, as the 2022 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar and recipient of a $10,000 scholarship.

TaraLee will be a senior at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln this fall, where she currently maintains a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in Animal Science and Agriculture Economics with a minor in Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars. TaraLee is very active in the beef industry through leadership roles in 4-H, FFA, Nebraska Junior Angus Association, Nebraska Angus Association, National Junior Angus Association, Nebraska Beef Ambassador Program, and the Young Nebraska Cattlemen.

Miss TaraLee Hudson stated, "It is a great honor to be selected as the recipient of the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation's Beef State Scholarship. Having grown up on a cow/calf operation in southeastern Nebraska, the beef industry has had an especially impactful role in shaping my identity, as well as my career goals. This scholarship will be instrumental in helping me to finance my ongoing education, which will ultimately allow me to pursue a career in which I can positively impact Nebraska's beef industry in the same way it has impacted me."

Loren Berger, Vice President of NCF said, “When selecting our prestigious Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholar, the Foundation looks for several student qualities, including a desire to continue working in the beef industry, a passion for agriculture, and a dedication to academic excellence. TaraLee Hudson is a distinguished scholar who encompasses all of these traits and more. We congratulate TaraLee on her success and look forward to watching her continue to grow in her pursuit of bettering the beef industry.”

2022 Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholars
Ainsworth
Samuel Wilkins - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship

Alliance
Madison Adam - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Wade Sanders - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Wyatt Walker - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Ames, IA
Kara Valasek - $1,200 Dr. Jeff Fox Memorial Scholarship

Ansley
Emily Jonas - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Aurora
Sydney Meyer - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Beaver Crossing
Logan Cast - $1,200 Todd Ricenbaw Memorial Scholarship

Bertrand
Johanna Ford - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Berwyn
Samuel Loy - $1,200 West Central Affiliate Scholarship

Bridgeport
Ellie Cline - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Burwell
Jaylee DeGroff - $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship

Cambridge
Autumn Deterding - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Chadron
Cole Madsen - $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management & Conservation Memorial Scholarship

Columbus
Carsten Loseke - $1,200 Bill Pullen Scholarship
Cort Loseke - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Dalton
Ashton Van Anne - $1,200 Western Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship

DeWitt
Taylor Cammack - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Dunning
Reece Zutavern - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship     

Elwood
Lauren Hickey - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Fullerton
James Wetovick - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Gibbon
Noah Summers - $1,200 Col. Melvin Huss Memorial Scholarship

Gothenburg
Heath Keiser - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship
Savannah Peterson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Hershey
Mekenna Fisher - $1,200 Cattlemen's Open Scholarship

Kearney
Marissa Kegley - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Leigh
Makenna Held - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Lemoyne
Sheridan Wilson - $1,200 Robert F. Lute II Memorial Scholarship

Lexington
Dalton Kunkee - $1,200 Bill Heller Memorial Scholarship

Lincoln
Laura Reiling - $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship

Mead
Abby Miller - $1,200 Shari Flaming Memorial Scholarship

Milburn
BaiLee McMillan - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Norfolk
Shalyn Miller - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

North Platte
Ashlyn Robinson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship
Katrina Webster - $1,200 Martin Viersen Range Management & Conservation Memorial Scholarship

Oakland
Elizabeth Karnopp - $1,200 Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship

O’Neill
Taylor Peter - $1,200 Bill Briggs Family Memorial Scholarship

Ord
Amber Staab - $1,200 Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship

Overton
Wyatt Ryan - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Plattsmouth
Sophie Korytowski - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Richland
Abigail Lutjelusche - $1,200 Clarence & Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship

Rosalie
Lauren Ahlers - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Royal
Christen Curtis - $1,200 Ron & Shirley Huss Scholarship

Stapleton
Megan Amos - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

St. Paul
Madison Hirschman - $1,200 Clarence & Lois Jean Hartmann Scholarship

Sumner
Mattison Beattie -$1,200 Jamie Glantz Memorial Scholarship

Sutherland
Kaden Wykert - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Thedford
Matthew Dailey - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Unadilla
Sydney Wellsandt - $1,200 Donavan Yoachim Memorial Scholarship

Wallace
Ashton Erickson - $1,000 Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship

Wisner
Megan Schroeder - $1,200 Vance Uden Memorial Scholarship

All scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Nebraska Cattlemen Midyear Meeting in Valentine, Friday, June 10, during the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Lunch.

To donate or for more information concerning the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, contact Lee Weide, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Secretary at (402) 475-2333 or Jana Jensen, Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Fundraising Coordinator at (308) 588-6299.

Established in 1968, the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation’s mission is to advance the future of Nebraska’s Beef industry by investing in research and education programs. The Foundation’s success and its ability to endow scholarships, sponsor leadership and education programs, and assist with research and infrastructure projects has been possible only because of the support from the Nebraska cattle producers and allied industries. As the Foundation grows, expands, and moves forward in its mission to raise funds for educational and scientific activities that benefit the state’s beef producers – the board asks you to consider investing in your industry through the Foundation.



Webinar to explore sustainable groundwater management

California groundwater legislation and the potential applications of similar regulations in Nebraska will be the focus of a webinar hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Agricultural Profitability at noon on June 2.

In 2015, California passed sweeping legislation requiring the preparation and implementation of local groundwater sustainability plans. The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is now one of the most aggressive groundwater management laws in the West and has features that may be applicable in Nebraska.

The webinar will be presented by Dave Aiken, a professor and extension agricultural law and water law specialist in the university’s Department of Agricultural Economics. He will describe the legislation, explain where there are policy disagreements between state and local officials and highlight features of the act that may be considered improvements over their Nebraska counterparts.

It will be hosted on Zoom and registration is open on the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website, cap.unl.edu/webinars.



QUICKLY MATURING COOL SEASON FORAGES
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
 
Cool season annuals like cereal rye, triticale, barley, and oats as well as perennial forages like brome, timothy, and various wheatgrass species are quickly maturing with recent warm temperatures and the return of precipitation.  Are you prepared?

As grasses mature, quality declines. This means harvesting at the right time can be the difference between feed that meets nutrient requirements later in the year or one that needs additional supplementation.  As our cool season species rapidly grow, check on them often and be ready to pull the trigger for harvest based on stage of maturity.  A close eye on the weather forecast for dry weather to wilt for silage or dry down a hay crop is also important.

Grazed forages also can benefit from utilization prior to maturity by keeping the plant in a vegetative state longer, again maintaining higher quality.  If pastures begin to get ahead of us, flash grazing where animals move rapidly through pastures, can slow down growth and keep plants in a vegetative state longer.  The goal is to quickly set the plant back a bit without too much stress, so grazing should only take 50% or less of the available forage before moving on.

Managing rapidly maturing cool season grasses requires continual observation and quick responses to current conditions.  In doing so we ensure this forage will be utilized in the best possible way.



ICA to host Cattle Market Roundup in Cherokee

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association will be hosting a Cattle Market Roundup at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at The Grainery Lodge in Cherokee, Iowa.

The Cattle Market Roundup will include a panel discussion, featuring Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Randy Feenstra, and ICA Feedlot Council members Brad Kooima and Dustin Puhrmann. Sen. Grassley and Rep. Feenstra will provide the latest information on the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, as well as the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022.

Sen. Grassley will take questions immediately after the panel discussion.



USDA to gather information about adoption of conservation practices

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey beginning May 30 to 676 Iowa farmers and ranchers. The new survey is a joint project between NASS and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aimed at better understanding conservation practice adoption and the role of technical and financial assistance. The survey results will be used to guide the implementation of NRCS programs in the future.

There are two versions of the survey this year – one requesting information on crop conservation practices and one for confined livestock conservation practices. If NASS does not receive producers’ completed surveys by June 13, they may reach out to schedule telephone interviews.

“Gathering information about farmers’ and ranchers’ motivation for and adoption of conservation practices allows USDA to understand the use and awareness of its programs,” said Greg Thessen, Director of the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office. “Effective implementation of USDA programs helps both producers and conservation efforts.”

NASS encourages recipients to respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, using the 12-digit survey code mailed with the survey. Producers responding online will now use NASS’s new Respondent Portal. On the portal, producers can complete their surveys, access data visualizations and reports of interest, link to other USDA agencies, get a local weather update and more. Completed questionnaires may also be mailed back in the prepaid envelope provided.

Results from both versions of the survey will be available Sept. 15, 2022, at nass.usda.gov and in NASS’s Quick Stats database at quickstats.nass.usda.gov. All information reported by individuals will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. For assistance with the survey, producers can call the NASS Upper Midwest Regional Field Office at (800) 772-0825.



Swine Sausages and Other Contraband Seized by CBP
National Pork Board

Four illegal shipments of plant and animal products, including pork sausage, were confiscated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Los Angeles this month.  

Imported pork products from countries affected by African swine fever (ASF) could introduce the virus to the U.S. NPB continues to collaborate with USDA and CBP to strengthen inspections and protect the U.S. pork industry from foreign animal disease introduction.

Pork producers should continue to take steps to protect their farms and the entire domestic herd from the threat of ASF.



NCGA President Provides Input on Pending Renewable Fuel Standard Volumes

A strong 2022 volume requirement under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is important as American leaders seek to lower gas prices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deal with inflation, said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington to federal agency staff during a Monday meeting on the final RFS volume rule currently under review.

Corn growers support the proposed 2022 RFS numbers, Edgington told the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staff. But he reiterated NCGA’s concerns with EPA’s proposal of retroactive 2021 volumes below actual use and the proposed reopening and revising already final 2020 standards.

“It’s important to share our perspective on corn supply and corn growers’ increasing productivity and sustainability, which allow us to meet demand for food, feed, fuel and exports with bushels to spare,” said Edgington. “Americans are feeling the effects of inflation, and they see the connection between high oil prices and higher food costs. Blending more ethanol, which costs less and increases the fuel supply by billions of gallons, helps in remedying this situation.”

Edgington referenced a recent survey conducted by Morning Consult that showed that 92% of adults are concerned about inflation, 69% are very concerned about the cost of gas, and 65% said they were very concerned about the cost of groceries. The survey also showed that consumers correctly hold higher oil prices and inflation responsible for higher food prices, not biofuels, illustrating the importance of bringing down fuel costs, Edgington noted.

Ethanol has been priced an average of 80 cents less per gallon than unblended gasoline at wholesale through the spring. Today’s technology has enabled farmers to increase yields on each acre to produce more corn for food, feed and fuel needs using less land and fewer resources, Edgington told OMB.

EPA is under a June 3 deadline to issue final RFS volume requirements for 2022 and delayed volumes for 2021.



RFA Urges EPA to Exclude Biased Candidates from RFS Review Process

In comments submitted today, the Renewable Fuels Association is urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to exclude several candidates from consideration to serve on a peer review of the agency’s upcoming triennial report to Congress on the environmental impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RFA argues that several of the final candidates for the peer review committee have demonstrated an obvious ideological bias against commercial agriculture and renewable fuels like ethanol.

Under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, EPA is required to submit regular reports to Congress on the environmental and resource conservation impacts of the RFS, and as part of the process it recruits external candidates to peer-review the report before it is published. For its third report, following two earlier studies submitted in 2011 and 2018, EPA has proposed a list of 20 candidates from which the agency will select up to nine peer reviewers.

“Some of these candidates have long-standing histories of ideologically biased statements and positions, dubious scientific work, and conflicts in sources of funding that may lead to sponsorship bias,” the association stated. Additionally, “RFA finds the proposed list to include a disproportionate number of candidates representing certain issue areas, and RFA has concerns about the group’s ability to complete a thorough review without complete and balanced representation.”

RFA urged EPA to exclude Tyler J. Lark of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whose work was cited extensively in the EPA’s Second Triennial Report to Congress, from further consideration. With the likelihood that Lark’s recent research may be discussed in the Third Triennial Report, it would be inappropriate for Lark to serve as a peer reviewer for this report. RFA also noted that Lark’s previous work related to biofuels has suffered from known flaws and inaccuracies, which have been willfully repeated by him in subsequent works.

Another candidate RFA is urging to be excluded is Jason D. Hill of the University of Minnesota, who has shown “a similar history of bias, unwillingness to respond to legitimate critiques of his work, and unsupported and provocative statements about the RFS and corn ethanol.” A third candidate, Timothy D. Searchinger of Princeton University, has had his work on indirect land-use change thoroughly refuted and rejected by the scientific community. RFA encouraged EPA to remove Searchinger from further consideration, as he “cannot be considered impartial or fair-minded.”

RFA concluded by urging transparency in the triennial review process. “Given that the list of peer review panel candidates is generally lacking experts with knowledge in contemporary agricultural feedstock and biofuel production methods, we strongly encourage EPA to ensure that representatives of the existing biofuels industry are allowed to provide their perspective and feedback on both the triennial report and the peer-review process. We believe biofuel producer groups, farmers, and other members of the public should be allowed to observe the peer-review process as it occurs, including any virtual or in-person meetings or conferences, as well as access to written correspondence between the peer reviewers and EPA (and its contractor, ERG).”



Farm Bureau to Host ‘Farmers Saving Lives’ Virtual Event for Mental Health Month
 
In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, the American Farm Bureau Federation will host a free virtual event, Farmers Saving Lives, on Tuesday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.

The live event will feature compelling stories from three Farm Bureau members who believe that advocating for mental health wellness is a way to save lives in rural and farming communities. Farmers, ranchers and their families are encouraged to attend via telephone, smartphone or tablet from planters, harvesters, greenhouses, dairy barns, farm trucks, classrooms and carpool lines.

“Farmers and ranchers continue to feel the harmful effects of stress brought on by so many factors that are out of their control, such as labor shortages, soaring costs for fertilizer, fuel and other inputs, extreme weather events and many other challenges,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We’re holding this virtual event on the last day of Mental Health Month to remind everyone that our work does not stop on June 1 – it continues throughout the year.”

According to AFBF national research polls, a strong majority of farmers and farmworkers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing the farm impact farmers’ mental health, and a majority of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers are experiencing more stress and mental health challenges than they were a year ago. Farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers also have higher than average rates of suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Register today https://farmbureau.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2EE9TVBITu6N5q3Qp4W85w to hear from Farm Bureau member advocates who have unique reasons for caring deeply about stress and mental health and have taken it upon themselves to do their part to make a difference.



CLAAS Brings Back $10,000 Farm Diesel Fuel Giveaway

As a testament to their commitment to fuel-efficient ag equipment, CLAAS is giving farmers a chance to fuel their fleet for free by giving away $10,000 in farm diesel fuel.

Farmers can register to win by visiting fuel.claas.com now through July 31, 2022. One grand prize winner will be selected to win $10,000 in farm diesel fuel. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

“With rising fuel and operating costs, every advantage matters,” explained Daryl Theis, Head of Sales & Marketing at CLAAS of America. “The $10,000 farm fuel giveaway is a way for us to highlight the efficiency of our equipment and give back to producers struggling with the high cost of diesel fuel.”

The tractors and harvesting equipment built by CLAAS are engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of ag professionals. It’s not just about sipping less fuel, it’s about delivering greater productivity in the field in order to save both time and money.

2021 Giveaway Winner
Chris Weigel was recognized as the 2021 Free Fuel Winner. The Weigel family, located in South Central North Dakota, raises beef cattle, grows crops and produces silage for the cattle on their operation. Their custom silage chopping business supports many local livestock producers.

CLAAS equipment stands strong, delivering quality outputs and brighter business solutions. To learn how you can add greater fuel efficiency to your farming operation, visit fuel.claas.com



Bayer makes 160 million U.S. dollar commitment to Zero Hunger Pledge

Joining like-minded companies in the private sector, Bayer has signed the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge with a 160 million U.S. dollar commitment dedicated to help end global hunger. The Pledge, in the context of the UN Food Systems Summit of 2021 and as a part of the Summit’s Zero Hunger Coalition, recognizes the need for governments and the private sector to work together to end food scarcity. Companies taking the pledge commit to investing money, resources and expertise in areas of concern within regions where they do business. Bayer’s commitment will go toward communities in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

“At Bayer, where we work every day toward realizing our vision of Health for all, Hunger for none, it’s agonizing to know that one in every 10 people worldwide goes to bed hungry,” said Rodrigo Santos, Member of the Board of Bayer AG and President of the company’s Crop Science Division who will outline Bayer’s commitment during a panel discussion in the Sustainable Development Goals tent at The World Economic Forum in Davos. “This crisis affects us all and needs the support of everyone to solve it. Our pledge further puts into practice Bayer’s commitment to help end hunger through alignment of our investments and business operations to achieve this goal.”

As a global leader in agriculture dedicated to advancing sustainable farming for the benefit of growers, consumers, and the planet, Bayer drives its Zero Hunger Pledge commitments on multiple levels. This includes helping smallholder farmers access seeds which contain the latest technology, educating communities on sustainable agricultural practices, providing growers with farming solutions, and introducing smallholder farmers to new income-generating opportunities.

More than half of Bayer’s investment to be in vegetable seeds and R&D to support smallholder farmers
Smallholder growers play a crucial role in eradicating hunger and high-quality seeds are essential to their ability to produce safe and nutritious food for their communities. Through its pledge, Bayer will invest over 100 million U.S. dollars of its overall commitment into research and development to get quality vegetable seeds into the hands of smallholder farmers. Through Bayer’s Vegetable Seeds business, these farmers will receive improved varieties of quality seeds critical to local diets like okra and bitter gourd. They will also gain access to innovative farming solutions, designed to reduce field and post-harvest losses, such as in the Ansal tomato. This variety provides longer shelf life and fruit firmness which is already helping to decrease losses in India from about 30 percent to less than 10 percent. Donating vegetable seeds to nonprofit organizations is also part of the commitment, to help combat hunger and promote the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Substantial commitment made in hybrid rice solutions
Around 3.5 million smallholder farmers in Asia already benefit from Bayer’s pioneering work on hybrid rice. An additional commitment of over 50 million U.S. dollars for Bayer’s Arize hybrid rice will provide even more growers with seeds designed to improve yield while also optimizing water and nitrogen efficiency. One Arize variety launched in India is already helping growers combat Brown Plant Hopper and Bacterial Leaf Blight, two conditions known to cause huge crop losses. Another hybrid can survive more than two weeks under sustained flood water often faced by farmers in Bangladesh. Bayer is also seeking a solution for growing hybrid rice in high salinity water and when faced with other physical or biological stressors. All varieties are designed to help farmers improve their income levels, livelihood, and their contribution to food security in their communities.

Bayer invests in education, training, R&D, technical assistance
Bayer’s remaining commitment includes investing through partnerships and additional programs. By supporting Better Life Farming, Bayer with partners Netafim and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will make farming solutions, agronomic advice and good agricultural practices available to rural growers. Partnering with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Bayer, through its pogram BayG.A.P., supports farmers to get certified and connected to the food value chain. And the Modern Breeding Project with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) will use Bayer’s funding to support sustainable practices as well as education and training programs. This project alone is expected to benefit more than 100 million smallholder farmers who grow crops on about 60 million hectares in the humid and semiarid zones of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Teaming up with Bayer helps us with our dedication of promoting agricultural development,” said Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA. “We hope others will follow their lead in making the Pledge so we can all continue our work toward improving the well-being of others.”

“At Bayer, we will continue to review and re-evaluate ways we can help fight food scarcity,” said Santos. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution in agriculture, but by partnering with growers and others committed to this pledge, we will all have the greatest opportunity to end world hunger.”