An ever-increasing global population is putting stress and strain on our existing farm land and food resources — that much we know. But what do we do about it?
Launched last fall, the Good Growth Plan is Syngenta’s answer, at least in part, to that question. A global initiative with six commitments, the plan is designed to not just discuss and name challenges, but to also implement improvements and changes to the existing system that is, quite simply, not sustainable. The six key commitments are: to make crops more efficient; rescue more farmland; help biodiversity flourish, empower smallholders, help people stay safe; and, look after every worker.
Real Agriculture’s editor, Lyndsey Smith, met with Jill Wheeler, head of sustainable productivity for North America for Syngenta, at the World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, held last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In this interview, Wheeler describes the Good Growth Plan, what it entails, the key players, why it matters and how you can get involved.
The Good Growth Plan includes a grant component — where one winner and three runners-up will be awarded funds to help tackle one or more of the six key areas of the Good Growth Plan. First place is $20,000, with three-$10,000 grants being awarded. The deadline to apply is July 14, 2014, and winners will be announced in September of this year. Those interested can visit www.goodgrowthplangrant.com for all the details.
Read one farmer’s experience with incorporating conservation agriculture into intensive corn/soy/wheat rotation.
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