The fields are alive with the fruits of CropLife SA’s labour as its ground-breaking biotechnology trials continue to yield impressive results. In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we take a moment to look back on CropLife’s work, driven by its mission to help farmers make better decisions.
Chantel Arendse, the visionary plant biotechnology lead at CropLife SA, shares insights into the team’s vital work and its profound impact on South African farmers.
Get ready to delve into the world of biotech agriculture and discover how the organisation is shaping the future of farming.
Understanding the global perspective
CropLife’s global mission is centred on helping farmers produce superior, sustainable agricultural products. With millions of hectares around the world devoted to biotech crops, the future looks promising.
“Based on the latest global statistics, there are about 190 million hectares of biotech crops that are planted in 29 countries. It’s important to note that half of the 190 million hectares of biotech crops are actually cultivated in developing countries by approximately 17 million smallholder farmers,” reveals Arendse.
These farmers are reaping the benefits of improved productivity and an overall enhancement of their livelihoods through the cultivation of biotech crops.
Bringing it home
Arendse emphasises that smallholder farmers in South Africa share the same ambitions and aspirations as their global counterparts. “South African farmers want to succeed in their farming endeavours and run profitable operations,” she says.
Fortunately, she adds, South Africa benefits from a functional regulatory system that facilitates the availability of insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crop varieties for local farmers.
In this episode, Arendse also discusses:
- High and lows;
- Room for improvement; and
- What is next for CropLife SA.
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