Amidst the growing climate crisis and the need to feed an expanding global population, Bayer highlighted its commitment to a regenerative farming approach which, through a series of sustainable farming practices and innovative solutions, has shown a 25% increase in productivity and a 30% reduction in water use in field trials.

Regenerative farming combines two key elements: improving productivity and restoring nature. This is not only about producing more food with fewer resources, but at the same time it is seeking to improve soil health, biodiversity, and water preservation. By actively promoting regenerative practices among farmers and a set of solutions in seeds, crop protection, services and digital, Bayer is promoting a transformative change in farming systems worldwide.

Climate change and the urgency for action

The effects of climate change are already undeniable, with extreme events such as droughts, heat waves and floods becoming more frequent, causing a severe impact on farming. According to ‘The Farmer Voice’ survey commissioned by Bayer, over 70% of farmers worldwide have already seen their fields affected due to climate change.

This year, Mexico has faced one of the most severe droughts in its history, affecting 60% of the territory, and together with the alteration of rainfall, pests and diseases, global farming production may be reduced by 40%, according to the FAO. With a projected world population of ten billion by 2050 and 23 million additional people in Mexico, it is urgent to adopt sustainable farming systems that help farmers adapt to climate change, protect the planet, and restore ecosystems. “Now, more than ever, we must work together to address the challenges of climate change, and the growing demand for food. At Bayer, we see regenerative farming as an opportunity to innovate and apply science for the benefit of farmers, the environment, and future generations,” said Manuel Bravo, chairman and CEO of Bayer in Mexico.

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Regenerative farming

Regenerative farming, in simple terms, is about “growing more with less, while restoring more.” It will play an increasingly significant role in supporting food safety and sustainable food production, especially as our climate keeps changing. This is because, unlike conventional farming, regenerative practices offer a way to improve field and income productivity, while also providing benefits for nature.

If widely adopted, regenerative farming, with its primary focus on soil health, has the potential to increase harvests with less land, less resources, and a smaller climate and environmental footprint. This, in turn, can generate positive results for species and habitats, help restoring ecosystems, and improving soil conditions. The six key benefits of this approach include:

1. Water preservation

2. Improved soil health

3. Climate change adaptation and mitigation

4. Economic and social well-being of communities

5. An increase in harvest productivity

6. Biodiversity preservation and restoration

Outstanding results from Mexico trials

Bayer is promoting this effort globally with innovative solutions that benefit farmers, the environment, and their communities. The company intends to implement regenerative farming in over 161 million hectares (397.84 million acres) globally by 2030. In Mexico, Bayer has developed field trials comparing a set of regenerative farming practices with conventional methods, and the results have been positive:

• A 25% increase in crop productivity

• A 30% in water use

• A 25% increase in soil carbon sequestration

• A 20% reduction in CO² emissions

Although each field is unique and the results are not directly transferable to all circumstances, our tests show that regenerative farming has positive effects across all areas.

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Innovation at the service of the farmer

At Bayer, we consider solutions not as isolated components, but as parts of a comprehensive system that includes seed improvement, crop protection, and digital technology. This integration allows each field to function as a unique ecosystem, with solutions that respond to specific soil and climate conditions. Bayer is ready to offer solutions that promote regenerative farming, backed by its expertise, global presence, and leadership, and, most importantly, the relationship and trust gained by working daily with farmers. Among the main solutions existing in Mexico, we find:

1. The VITALA system, a low-stature hybrid corn variety developed for over three decades by Mexican scientists to withstand extreme weather conditions and increase productivity.

2. FieldView, which is already in pilot mode and will soon be launched in the Northwest of the country, is a digital tool that allows farmers to access real-time data on the conditions of their fields, providing them with information on humidity, pests, yield and making customized recommendations to maximize productivity.

3. CARLOTA, which is in the pilot stage, is a digital farming solution to reduce irrigation costs, water footprint and increase yields. Since 2023, it has served over 4,500 hectares (11,119.74 acres) where more than twenty different crops were produced, including corn, potatoes, beans, and watermelon. Thanks to this technology, farmers saved 3.1 billion liters of water, the equivalent of the annual consumption of 21,314 households.

Bayer continues moving forward on its mission to ensure food safety through innovation, sustainability and collaboration with farmers and society. Together, we can build a future where food production is more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

Source: www.agrosintesis.com