CropLife America Supports Sustainability on World Food Day

In honor of World Food Day 2013, CropLife America recognizes the benefits of modern agriculture technologies in encouraging the sustainable production of food. Through the responsible use of crop protection products, including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, growers are able to produce more nutritious food for communities around the world. Decades of investment in product and application equipment research and development have also resulted in conservation methods that reduce energy use, runoff and soil erosion.

This year’s World Food Day theme is “Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition.” According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately 842 million people around the world suffer from chronic hunger. This number represents a decrease compared to reports from 2012, but still reflects a high percentage of people – nearly one in eight – that are not receiving adequate nourishment. 

“As the global population expands and natural resources become even more limited, crop protection products and related modern agricultural tools will become even more vital for resource conservation and sustainable farming,” CLA President and CEO Jay Vroom said. “CLA supports the adoption of new technology and crop protection formulations that contribute to the growth of high-quality foods needed for good nutrition. Without these products, we cannot expect to sustain healthy lives and still protect our environment.”

Crop protection products contribute to sustainability by optimizing existing farmland to its fullest potential, and preventing additional land from being converted. The use of herbicides has resulted in the adoption of conservation and reduced tillage practices that prevent an estimated 360 billion pounds of soil erosion per year. Fungicides, insecticides and herbicides are also part of responsible integrated pest management systems that reduce energy use and environmental risks. 

The 2013 Norman Borlaug Dialogues, which took place last week in Des Moines, Iowa, emphasized the importance of science-based innovations in agriculture for a sustainable future. Three pioneers in the agricultural biotechnology field were selected as 2013 World Food Prize Laureates: Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton, founder and distinguished science fellow, Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc.; Dr. Robert Fraley, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Monsanto Company; and Dr. Marc Van Montagu, founder and chairman of the Institute for Plant Biotechnology Outreach.