The modern agricultural landscape is defined by volatility with fluctuating input costs, unpredictable climate change and mounting pest challenges, all while meeting the global food demand. In response, technology-driven solutions are critical, serving not only to enhance crop yields but also to support resilient and sustainable food security. As a global leader in agricultural innovation, Corteva is at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering new breeding techniques (NBTs) that enable precise crop improvement while working within the plant’s natural genetic framework.
“Working closely with farmers and leveraging our extensive network of technologies, we are able to improve crops and yields in ways that were not possible before. In the future, having even more precise tools, particularly in new breeding techniques, gene editing and understanding plant stress responses at a molecular level, will be vital. By selecting traits with unprecedented precision, we can enhance productivity and resilience directly in the environment where the crops grow,” says Drian Bresler, Seed Product Development Lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva.
Bresler explains that while advanced DNA sequencing, predictive analytics and AI have transformed crop breeding, the foundation of Corteva’s work remains a rigorous program of on-farm evaluation. On-farm testing and multi-year, multi-location trials are critically important, providing field performance data that complements DNA sequencing information. By integrating cutting-edge molecular insights with decades of field experience, Corteva can deliver crops that not only achieve superior agronomic performance but also contribute to a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector.
By combining these datasets, Corteva can model and predict how different genetics will perform in specific environments. With billions of potential genetic combinations, predictive analytics help narrow the focus to a manageable number for field testing. The resulting in-field performance validates these models, ensuring that the final products delivered to farmers offer consistent yields and stability even under challenging conditions. However, the regulatory framework is equally important in ensuring these innovations are safe and effectively managed.
“With NBT’s, authorities evaluate each product on a case-by-case basis to ensure it is safe and substantially equivalent to conventional crops. This regulatory clarity fosters confidence for investment and research, enabling farmers to compete on a global scale without facing prohibitive costs or trade barriers. In South Africa, Corteva works across multiple government departments to ensure that all products comply fully with legal requirements. At the same time, the company engages proactively with authorities through industry working groups, ensuring that regulations evolve in step with rapidly advancing technologies,” says Dr Kulani Machaba, Regulatory Lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva.
Dr Machaba highlights the importance of value chain collaboration. By working with farmers, technology developers and industry stakeholders, Corteva monitors innovations, assesses impacts and informs regulatory authorities. This engagement ensures timely policy updates, supports safe adoption of new technologies and helps translate scientific advances into practical benefits while promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
“Looking ahead, addressing rapidly evolving agricultural challenges will depend on both scientific innovation and practical application. Corteva’s use of gene editing and advanced breeding techniques enables precise, timely development of locally adapted, high-performing crops, enhancing farmer productivity, strengthening food systems and supporting sustainable agricultural growth,” says Bresler.
