Corteva Agriscience, John Deere, Global Communities, and USAID launch project in Zambia to enrich lives

Wilmington, Del. – October 22, 2020 – Corteva Agriscience, John Deere, Global Communities, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today the Zambia Emerging Farmers Partnership, a project designed to help increase the productivity, incomes, and sustainable farming practices of 10 000 emerging farmers with 20–60 hectares of land. This project will enrich the lives of farmers and their communities and will contribute to building a resilient global food system.

Agriculture in Zambia is a key sector for employment and is critical to local and regional food security. Maize is the primary source of calories for many rural people and a significant contributor to Zambia’s economic and social development. However, farmers face many challenges, from climate variabilities to fall armyworm. In addition, traditional practices for preparing the land, weeding, and harvesting require significant manual labour, much of which is endured by women.

Farmers who will benefit from this project – 30% of whom are women – will be empowered with educational resources, technologies, and access to capital. Corteva Agriscience agronomists will work directly with farmers to enhance adoption of hybrid seed and crop protection products, and advance sustainable farming practices. John Deere will establish equipment service provision models to increase farmer access to mechanisation for optimal production and harvesting. USAID and Global Communities will provide training to farmers on production techniques, post-harvest handling, and transport; increase access to credit and finance; and link farmers to markets.

The three-year project will leverage more than $37 million in loans for inputs and equipment, resulting in more than 50 000 hectares of crops planted using climate-adaptive seeds and other sustainable technologies.

“In Zambia, emergent farmers – especially women – often struggle to access the necessary technologies, capital, and training to be successful,” said Subbarao Kolli, president of Africa and Middle East at Corteva Agriscience. “Agriculture is the main source of income and employment for people in rural areas of Zambia. As a leader in agricultural innovation, we are committed to growing agriculture in Zambia, working with stakeholders and farmers on the ground. We are committed to helping the government and people of Zambia meet the nation’s food security target of five million metric tonnes.”

In June, Corteva announced its 2030 sustainability goals, spanning a wide range of initiatives for farmers, the land, communities, and its operations. The company pledged to help increase the productivity, incomes, and sustainable farming practices of smallholder farmers, as well as to empower women in their communities.

“Corteva Agriscience and key collaborators share a commitment to using new innovative approaches to help farmers in Zambia and the agriculture value chains be more productive and sustainable,” said Henri Moore, global responsibility leader at Corteva Agriscience. “Supporting the needs of farmers – large and small – is central to our purpose at Corteva. Through this collaboration, we will make a significant impact on the lives of these Zambian farmers, their families, and their communities.”

“Global Communities is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership,” said David A. Weiss, chief executive officer of Global Communities. “Global Communities works to advance innovative agricultural interventions side-by-side with rural families, particularly women farmers who are at the vanguard of their communities. We connect people with resources, training, and access to capital so they can build healthy, secure, stable lives – even in the face of climate change’s increasing impact on food security.”

For more information on Corteva’s efforts to enrich the lives of smallholder farmers and its 2030 sustainability goals, visit https://www.corteva.com/sustainability.html

About Corteva Agriscience

Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry – including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

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About Global Communities
Global Communities is a global development and humanitarian assistance organisation committed to working in partnership with communities worldwide to bring about sustainable, impactful changes that improve the lives and livelihoods of the vulnerable. Currently working in in 27 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central, and South America, Asia and Europe, Global Communities was founded in 1952 as Cooperative Housing Foundation, and until 2012, was known as CHF International. Today, areas of expertise include innovation in rural sanitation, market-based workforce education, and strengthening civil society. Learn more at www.globalcommunities.org.

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Corteva Media Contact:

Barbra Muzata

barbra.muzata@corteva.com