De Bruyn Myburgh | Lead Agronomist | Pannar Seed® | mail me |
A crop that can protect itself against pests and herbicides sounds like a winning recipe. And it is. However, it only remains a winning solution when the technology behind it is managed with care and caution.
Agriculture depends on limited and shared resources. This means that farmers, by definition, are stewards who must always consider the needs of the next generation and those after them.
We do not farm only for ourselves. The choices made on your farm today will shape the future for your children. This truth has always held. Farmers are, and have always been, the original and best stewards of land and natural resources. However, in the era of modern agriculture, technology and stewardship go hand in hand. With advancements in research, development and innovation, today’s stewards carry even greater responsibilities.
Technology and stewardship of biotechnology traits
Many agricultural inputs and practices rely on biological technologies. These include pest control, soil health and resistance management.
One of the most important examples is biotechnology traits. These refer to specific characteristics or features of plants, animals or microorganisms that have been modified using biotechnological methods. These traits are designed to boost agricultural productivity. They also protect against pests and diseases, enhance nutritional value and help crops withstand environmental stress.
The benefits for farmers and the environment have been immense. These technologies reduce reliance on insecticides. They also allow the use of lower-risk herbicides that break down more quickly in soil. At the same time, they increase productivity on farms.
Although biotechnology offers substantial advantages, it also brings challenges. These technologies require careful and active management to remain sustainable. Bringing a product to market often takes 10 to 15 years and costs millions of Rands. Once its effectiveness declines, it is difficult to replace. This affects both the companies that develop the technologies and the farmers who depend on them.
Technology and stewardship, therefore, must work together. Stewardship of biotechnology traits is a shared responsibility. Seed companies and farmers must cooperate to protect the effectiveness of these innovations.
Effective stewardship starts long before the seed reaches the farm. It must be embedded throughout the entire product life cycle. This begins with research and development, continues through regulatory approval and extends into the commercial use of the product.
Technology and stewardship through the product life cycle
The stewardship journey begins in the research and development phase. We invest heavily in innovation to create seed technologies that protect crops from pests and herbicides. This protects both farmer outputs and the environment. For example, our scientists work with a focus on sustainability. They aim to develop products that are not only effective but also responsible. The future of agriculture relies on innovation guided by stewardship.
After development, agricultural biotechnology products undergo extensive testing. They must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure safety and performance.
Our stewardship program upholds the highest standards of safety and transparency. We engage closely with regulatory bodies to guarantee that our products are safe for farmers, consumers and the environment.
Once products pass regulatory approval, they enter the commercial market. At this stage, farmers become central to managing these enhanced seed products responsibly. Our stewardship program supports farmers in this process. We provide practical resources and education to help them use seed technologies sustainably. Farmer-focused programs and information guide best practices for on-farm management. When farmers join us as product stewards, everyone benefits. We can grow healthier crops, achieve better yields, protect the environment and extend the life of agricultural technologies.
– Louisa Segooa, Stewardship Lead for Africa and the Middle East at Corteva Agriscience
The responsibility of farmers
Farmers’ stewardship responsibilities are outlined in the Technology Use Agreements (TUA). These must be signed before planting biotechnology seeds.
Grain producers may only plant hybrids with biotechnology traits after signing a valid TUA. This agreement includes conditions such as planting refuge areas for insect-resistant hybrids. It also requires adherence to herbicide dosage and application timing for herbicide-tolerant hybrids.
Farmers can find detailed management guidelines in our biotech product user guides. These are available on our website and in our product catalogue. The TUA and user guides also explain how to manage co-existence between biotech and conventional crops. They include critical information about transporting biotech materials.
Biotech crops must only be moved, used, processed or sold according to national biosafety laws and international regulations. Moving unapproved biotech materials across borders is illegal. Farmers should always consult buyers or grain handlers to confirm compliance with regulations.
Technology and stewardship are essential pillars of modern agriculture. Stewardship in biotechnology can only succeed through collaboration. We are working with shared resources. Seed companies and farmers must work together to preserve these technologies.
Thanks to the majority of farmers who follow the rules, we can continue using the tools we have today. Their cooperation ensures we can develop future innovations. This collaboration lays the foundation for a secure, productive and sustainable agricultural sector.
