Food security

Advancing more resilient food systems

Corteva’s efforts span both laboratory breakthroughs and on-the-ground collaborations, from developing more sustainable technologies aligned with the UN SDGs to enhancing agriculture and addressing food insecurity at the local level. Through these actions, we are delivering impactful solutions today while strengthening the food system for the future.

Green tractor spraying a field with agricultural equipment labeled 'Redox' on a sunny day, with trees in the background.

Finite availability of arable farmland

~70%

of global population will be in urban areas by 2050, further straining agricultural land1

Man examining the roots of a lettuce plant in a greenhouse, with other workers tending to rows of leafy greens in the background.

Climate changes and rising pest pressure

~5–25%

potential reduction in crop yields in key regions from 2°C increase in global temperatures2 without adaptation

Up to 40%

of crop production globally lost to pests3

Three professionals having a discussion in a modern office space with a sign in the background that reads 'We're committed to enriching lives

More stringent regulations

~16 years

and ~$130M to bring a new seed biotech trait to market

12+ years

and $300M+ to bring a new crop protection molecule to market

  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2012, May 16). 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. United Nations.
  • Jägermeyr, J., Müller, C., Ruane, A.C. et al. Climate impacts on global agriculture emerge earlier in new generation of climate and crop models. Nat Food 2, 873–885 (2021); assumes no technology changes or improvements.
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2021, June 2). Climate change fans spread of pests and threatens plants and crops, new FAO study.

Corteva is innovating and developing products and advancing collaborations to meet the evolving needs of farmers.

Seed solutions

Worker in safety gear inspecting corn kernels on a processing line in an agricultural facility.

Traditional crop protection solutions

Close-up view of a golden wheat field swaying in the wind.

Biologicals and naturally-derived solutions

Female farmer harvesting yellow bell peppers in a greenhouse, wearing a denim shirt and straw hat.

Seed applied technologies

Laboratory technician wearing gloves and safety glasses pouring red coated seeds from a paper bag into a testing machine in a lab setting.

Whole farm cropping solutions

Aerial view of an agricultural field with neatly arranged rows of harvested and unharvested crops.

Decision science

Close-up of a soybean plant with pods growing on the stem in a field.

→ Learn more about Sustainable Innovation

Ag Accelerator collaborations

Through our Ag Accelerator collaborations, Corteva is accelerating access to innovations to improve the productivity and incomes of farmers and grow our business in markets across the world.

Corteva is also leveraging our technologies and scientists to bring sustainable innovations to smallholder farmers globally who are facing some of the greatest pest, disease, and climate challenges. Together, we are co-developing new varieties with public agricultural research institutions and advancing regulatory approvals to increase farmer access to science-based solutions. 

Fighting food insecurity locally

We are dedicated to advancing sustainable innovations and working with farmers, local businesses, schools, governments, and non-profits to unlock solutions that help feed the world. 

Ag Accelerator collaborations

Corteva engages in global collaborations with key stakeholders to accelerate access to innovations and grow Corteva's business in markets around the world. Together, we are improving the productivity and incomes of farmers and enriching lives for generations to come.

For example, through the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA), Corteva is collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Land O’Lakes Venture37, Forage Genetics International, and the International Livestock Research Institute to improve animal nutrition by advancing a sustainable commercial forage market for women smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya & Ethiopia. This alliance aims to reach 120,000 smallholder producers in Kenya and 100,000 smallholder producers in Ethiopia. Critical to the success of NPA is Corteva’s climate-optimized hybrid corn seeds which increase the yield and quality of corn silage, an important type of forage for dairy cows. In addition, Corteva agronomists are training corn silage farmers on sustainable agriculture methods for optimal production, harvesting and storing. The program is training smallholder dairy farmers to bolster the use of nutrient-rich forage and improve overall dairy production. As a result, farmers have achieved a 46% increase in liters of milk produced annually, and a 26% reduction in estimated emissions intensity.

Two smiling farmers harvesting fresh lettuce in a field, wearing wide-brimmed hats and gloves.
Female farmer in colorful clothing and headscarf harvesting tea leaves in a lush green.
Elderly male farmer wearing a beige shirt and cap standing in a field with tall crops under a clear sky.

Fighting food insecurity locally

Colleagues in Indianapolis recently celebrated a remarkable achievement. Since 2014, they’ve grown and donated more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries through the “Harvest for Hunger” garden.

On average, more than 100 Corteva employees and their families spend approximately 1,000 hours each year volunteering in the two-acre garden by planting, growing, and harvesting fresh produce from more than 20 different crops that are donated to area food pantries.​

“It’s an incredible feeling to know that my efforts are helping feed our community, while my day job at Corteva helps feed the world,” said Alicia Walker, a Corteva employee and garden volunteer.

In addition to produce, the garden features a pollinator plot and eight beehives that produce hundreds of pounds of honey annually that is also donated to local food pantries. Flowers grown in the garden are donated to a local retirement home and employees routinely host visitors, including students, to learn about agriculture, STEM, and local food insecurity.​

“We’re passionate about giving back to our communities and are proud to have reached this significant milestone that supports our nonprofit partners and their efforts to address hunger in central Indiana,” said Audrey Grimm, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. “A special thanks to all of our dedicated employee volunteers who have generously given of their time and energy to support this valuable community resource.”

“We’re passionate about giving back to our communities and are proud to have reached this significant milestone that supports our non-profit partners and their efforts to address hunger in central Indiana.”

Four people standing under a white tent next to a podium with a Corteva Agriscience sign, with a display of fresh vegetables in front of them at an outdoor event.
Man speaking at a podium with a Corteva Agriscience sign, outdoors near a field, with fresh vegetables and flowers displayed on a cart in front of him and a blue barn in the background.
Two men standing in a lush vegetable garden, examining plants and having a conversation, with greenery and tall crops in the background.