Corteva Advances Sustainable Agriculture Through Precision Breeding and AI
Agricultural innovation is becoming increasingly important as farmers face rising input costs, changing climate conditions, persistent pest pressures and growing food demand. Corteva is investing in advanced crop breeding technologies, including new breeding techniques (NBTs), to develop crops with improved productivity, resilience and adaptability to local growing conditions.
By combining molecular science, artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics and extensive field trials, the company aims to accelerate crop improvement while supporting more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
According to Drian Bresler, Seed Product Development Lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva, advances in breeding technologies are creating new opportunities to improve crop performance.
Working closely with farmers and drawing on its technology platforms, Corteva is exploring ways to improve crop yields and resilience through more precise selection of beneficial traits. Bresler highlights gene editing and a better understanding of plant stress responses at the molecular level as important tools for developing crops suited to specific production environments.
AI and Field Trials Strengthen Crop Development
Advanced DNA sequencing, predictive analytics and AI are transforming how breeders identify and evaluate promising crop genetics. However, field testing remains central to Corteva’s approach.
Multi-year, multi-location trials provide essential information on how crops perform under different environmental conditions. These results complement molecular data, helping researchers assess whether promising genetic traits translate into consistent performance in farmers’ fields.
By combining genetic information with field trial results, predictive models can help researchers narrow billions of potential genetic combinations to a more manageable selection for further evaluation.
The process allows promising candidates to be tested under real-world conditions before new products reach farmers. The objective is to develop crops that deliver reliable agronomic performance and greater stability under challenging growing conditions.
For African agriculture, this approach is particularly relevant because production environments vary widely across the continent. Crop varieties must be evaluated for their suitability to local climates, soils, pest pressures and farming systems rather than relying on genetic potential alone.
Regulatory Frameworks Shape New Breeding Technologies
The development and adoption of new breeding technologies also depend on effective regulatory frameworks that address product safety and provide clarity for research and investment.
Dr Kulani Machaba, Regulatory Lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva, emphasises the importance of science-based regulation and collaboration with government authorities.
Machaba explains that regulatory approaches to new breeding techniques vary by jurisdiction and may involve product-specific assessments. In South Africa, Corteva engages with relevant government departments to ensure its products comply with applicable legislation. The company also participates in industry working groups and discussions intended to help regulatory frameworks keep pace with scientific advances.
Clear, predictable and scientifically informed regulation can support research, investment and responsible innovation. It can also help manage potential trade implications as countries adopt different approaches to crops developed using gene editing and other advanced breeding methods.
Collaboration Supports Agricultural Innovation
Collaboration across the agricultural value chain is another important part of bringing new technologies to market.
Corteva works with farmers, technology developers and industry stakeholders to monitor emerging innovations, assess their potential implications and engage with regulatory authorities. Such collaboration can help connect scientific research with practical agricultural needs while supporting the responsible development and adoption of new technologies.
For African countries, effective cooperation among researchers, regulators, seed companies and farmers will be important in determining how quickly suitable innovations can reach the field.
Developing Crops for a Changing Agricultural Landscape
As agricultural challenges evolve, combining advanced breeding technologies with rigorous field evaluation will remain important in developing crops suited to farmers’ needs.
Corteva sees gene editing, predictive analytics and improved understanding of plant stress responses as tools for developing high-performing, locally adapted crops. Their potential contribution to agricultural productivity and sustainability will depend on successful field performance, appropriate regulation and accessibility to farmers.
The broader objective is to translate scientific advances into practical crop improvements that support farm productivity, strengthen food systems and contribute to more resilient agriculture across Africa.
