Safety
Safety is paramount at Corteva, from our operational processes to product development.
We aim for every employee to return home safely and to protect the communities we serve. We prioritize comprehensive environment, health, safety, and security (EHS&S) measures to drive continuous safety improvements across all our divisions.
In 2024, we were honored with the prestigious Campbell Safety Award from the National Safety Council, recognizing our outstanding commitment to workplace safety and health.
The esteemed award is one of the top accolades an organization can achieve and recognizes companies that have attained business excellence through the integration of environment, health, and safety management as a key business function.
Our safety efforts include:
Comprehensive safety training
- Regular and mandatory safety training sessions for all employees and contractors
- Specialized training programs tailored to different roles and risk levels within the organization
Advanced risk management
- Cutting-edge safety technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems and predictive analytics, to identify and mitigate potential hazards
- Thorough risk assessments and safety audits across all operations
Proactive incident reporting
- Robust incident reporting system that encourages employees to report near-misses and safety concerns without fear of reprisal
- Detailed analysis of reported incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
Employee engagement and safety culture
- Initiatives to foster a strong safety culture, including safety leadership programs and recognition of safety champions within the organization
- Regular safety meetings and open forums for employees to discuss safety issues and share best practices
Health and wellness programs
- Chief Health Officer role added in 2024
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs that support the physical and mental well being of employees
- Access to health resources, fitness programs, and mental health support services
Community and stakeholder involvement
- Active engagement with local communities and stakeholders to promote safety awareness and preparedness
- Collaboration with local emergency response teams and participation in community safety initiatives
Continuous improvement
- Regular review and updating of safety policies and procedures
- Ongoing safety R&D investment to stay ahead of emerging risks and industry standards
Health, nutrition, and safe food production
Dr. Claudia Coplein
Chief Health Officer
In 2024, we welcomed Dr. Claudia Coplein to Corteva in the newly-created role of Chief Health Officer.
Dr. Coplein ensures that health, nutrition, and safe food production are at the forefront of our efforts, driving our commitment to a healthier world.
Q: Why is providing adequate nutrition to the global population so important?
A: Access to nutritious food is crucial for overall health and well-being. In 2023, approximately 9% of the global population was chronically undernourished, leading to serious health issues, especially for children. This is unacceptable. Corteva can help address this significant challenge.
Q: What role does agriculture play in improving nutrition?
A: The interconnection of agriculture, nutrition, and human health is fundamental. It all starts with farmers planting seeds that grow into nutritious crops.
Advances in agricultural technology, such as gene editing, increase the productivity of crops that meet dietary needs. For example, new seed hybrids and varieties that can produce more nutritious crops could unlock the solution to combating malnutrition.
Q: How are these advancements making a difference?
A: One example is our work to develop a new millet seed variety. Our scientists are working to use gene editing to eliminate the cause of rapid rancidity in pearl millet, making the resulting milled flour even more nutritious with an up to six-month shelf life. This advancement helps support an ongoing campaign by the Indian government encouraging consumers to eat more of this grain, which can be part of a nutritious diet and requires less water for production.
Q: How does product safety fit into the picture?
A: Helping farmers grow more food that is safe and healthy is critical to food security and affordability.
For example, today’s advanced crop protection solutions have to meet stringent government standards – and undergo more than a decade of testing and review by multiple agencies – to prove that they are safe for human and animal health as well as the environment when used as intended. They have to pass rigorous approval processes that can demand over 150 safety studies and on average take more than 12 years. Even after regulatory approval, safety monitoring and registration reviews continue.
Inclusion and belonging
As a global technology company, we view a culture of inclusion and belonging to attract and retain talent as a key to our success.
To stay competitive and lead the industry, we know it is crucial to have a workforce that reflects the farmers we serve and the markets where we operate, and is equipped with the skills to develop new technology.
We aim to create an environment where colleagues seek out different perspectives and ideas, and challenge the status quo, to deliver for our customers and consumers around the world. This approach also fuels the curiosity, creativity, and innovation we need for long-term success.
2024 employee survey highlights
86%
of employees participated
83%
of participants said they are proud to work at Corteva
84%
of participants indicated they were highly engaged
We increased our overall engagement score from 2023 and again scored above Perceptyx®'s benchmark. Employees reported having positive relationships with direct leaders and acknowledged Corteva's strong commitment to safety and ethics.
Well being was our most improved category, increasing more than a full percentage point, and comments indicate employees appreciate their colleagues and their work environment.
One of the ways we do this is through our Business Resource Groups (BRGs). These are organized networks of colleagues who volunteer their time and talents to bring others together, celebrate different cultures and backgrounds, and serve our company and our communities. Participation is voluntary and open to everyone.
Our nine global BRGs are strong partners to leaders across our organization and are actively engaged in various talent sourcing, recruiting, mentoring, retention, and career development initiatives.
24%
of employees were engaged in a BRG in 2024
37%
of Corteva people leaders belonged to at least one BRG in 2024
Empowering future leaders through the University Ambassadors program
In 2024, the Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) BRG and Corteva’s Talent Acquisition team launched the University Ambassadors program in the Europe/Africa/Middle East region. WIN members inspired students, promoted our core values and internship programs, and created a mentoring program, leading to internship opportunities.