Food security

Advancing more resilient food systems

Our 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 ~$115M to bring a new seed biotech trait to market4

12+ years

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

  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (2018). 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects. 
  • 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). Climate change fans spread of pests and threatens plants and crops, new FAO study.
  • AgbioInvestor, Crop Life International Study (2022). Time and Cost to Market Report.
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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 the evolving needs of farmers

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Agriculture accelerator collaborations

Through our agriculture accelerator collaborations, we are accelerating access to innovations to improve the productivity and incomes of farmers and grow our business in markets across the world.

We are also leveraging our technologies and scientists to bring more sustainable technologies 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. 

 

→ Learn more about Corteva's agriculture accelerator collaborations

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Fighting food insecurity locally

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

 

→ Learn more about how Corteva is fighting food insecurity locally

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Scaling biologicals sales through the Pioneer channel

Corteva launched NEXTA™ biologicals, through our Pioneer® seed brand, where representatives already provide agronomic support and make in-season recommendations to growers to simplify how biologicals are used. 

The program is organized around three application windows (start, grow, finish) and a “right product, right acre” approach that aims to match products to field conditions, grower priorities, and budget. This structure is intended to improve consistency in recommendations, reduce adoption barriers for growers, and support repeat use over time – with the ultimate goal of helping farmers protect and preserve season-long yield potential.

Biologicals: plant health heroes

Visual of a chilli pepper plant showing how biostimulants work

Biostimulants boost performance by enhancing the plant’s ability to efficiently use soil, nutrients, water, and sunlight. They build resilience – protecting crops from stress – and serve as a powerful and flexible option in a farmer’s crop protection program.

Biocontrol solutions use living or naturally occurring materials to control pests. Some work by directly attacking the pest to control it. Others trigger a plant’s ability to defend itself and protect against future attacks.

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Agriculture 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, Corteva is supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food for Progress SunGold Program in Ethiopia, implemented by Research Triangle International (RTI). This 5-year program aims to increase Ethiopian sunflower productivity, competitiveness, and value addition, while reducing trade barriers for U.S. agribusiness. Sunflower oil plays an important role in Ethiopia’s food security, yet the country continues to rely heavily on imports to meet edible oil demand. Through this effort, Corteva will help accelerate smallholder farmer access to high-quality hybrid sunflower seed and related agronomic support.

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.
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Fighting food insecurity locally

In October, around 500 Corteva Brazil employees and their family members gathered at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo for Mundo do Bem, a volunteer event organized by the Hamburgada do Bem NGO. Together, volunteers delivered nearly 5,000 hours of service and positively impacted around 11,000 children.

Volunteers served thousands of hamburgers and fries, led recreational activities, and created moments of genuine joy, connection, and care for children in the community. “I joyfully joined Mundo do Bem with my 6-year-old son. It was a day filled with smiles, solidarity, and care,” said an employee from the Corteva production site in Franco da Rocha (São Paulo).

In addition to the volunteer activities, the event also provided essential health services, including dental care and vaccinations for flu, measles, hepatitis, and other diseases, reinforcing Corteva’s commitment to supporting wellbeing and strengthening the communities where it operates.

Over the past decade, Hamburgada do Bem has reached thousands of children across Brazil, combining nutrition, education, and health in an unforgettable experience. Corteva has proudly partnered with the organization through previous initiatives, including volunteer actions in several schools.

Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Vivian Bialski, Corporate Communications Director for Latin America, shared: “Mundo do Bem was more than an event, it was a living expression of our purpose. We showed up for our communities, for our children, and for each other.”​

A young boy with a bright smile looks down at a collection of colored pencils. He is wearing a white shirt under a brown vest and a colorful lanyard.
Two young girls look down with curiosity as one reaches into a blue bucket. One girl wears a sunflower-patterned lanyard.
A large group of people in matching white "Mundo do Bem" t-shirts pose together outdoors, many with their arms raised in celebration.

Around 500 Corteva Brazil employees and their family members gathered at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo for Mundo do Bem, delivering nearly 5,000 hours of service and positively impacting around 11,000 children.