Syngenta launches The Good Growth Plan, including six commitments to address global food security with focus on resource efficiency, environment, rural communities; plan includes measurable targets for 2020
Allison Oesterle
BASEL, Switzerland
,
September 19, 2013
(press release)
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Syngenta today announced six commitments to address the global food security challenge. The Good Growth Plan has specific, ambitious and measurable targets which focus on boosting resource efficiency, rejuvenating ecosystems and strengthening rural communities:
Mike Mack, Chief Executive Officer of Syngenta, said: “We have always been acutely aware that our business can only grow if we ensure that farming is carried out in a sustainable way. We continuously seek to bring this awareness to life through our focus on land, technology and people. We now need to take our contribution to a new level and this is the driving force behind the commitments announced today.”
The Good Growth Plan reflects Syngenta’s belief that agricultural productivity must increase in order to feed a global population which is currently increasing by 200,000 every day. At the same time, farmland is being depleted through urbanization and soil erosion while water resources are under increasing pressure. Rural communities – those responsible for growing food – are often trapped in poverty.
At a series of launch events around the world, Syngenta will today meet with opinion leaders to discuss these challenges and set out the company’s contribution to help tackle them.
Extensive research has revealed a widespread societal view that farming needs to become more responsible. While governments are seen as primarily accountable for ensuring reliable food availability, Syngenta believes it is incumbent on business to play a larger role in fostering a long term approach to food security. This means using our substantial investment in R&D to advance technologies that not only protect but also enhance the environment and benefit rural communities.
Mike Mack continued: “Delivering on these commitments won’t be easy given the conflicting views of society on agriculture and food production. The Good Growth Plan represents our collective commitment as a company to do things differently and better. We know we can’t solve the challenges alone which is why we are bringing together stakeholders from across the world to share our intent and to benefit from their input.”
For more information on The Good Growth Plan go to www.goodgrowthplan.com
Notes to the Editor
Research: The Agricultural Disconnect
Key findings:
Informed publics in all countries believe that producing more food for a growing global population will be an important challenge in the next decade. However, views on agriculture and food production are conflicting:
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 27,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.
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