As climate change continues to pose significant challenges to agriculture across Europe, BASF is stepping up its commitment to foster resilience among farmers. Gustavo Palerosi Carneiro, BASF’s representative, is set to address these pressing issues at the World Agri-Tech summit in London this month. His insights will focus on how BASF is adapting its agricultural solutions to combat climate change while ensuring that farmers can maintain productivity.
BASF has long recognized the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on farming. In 2020, the company set an ambitious goal to help farmers achieve a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per ton of crop produced. With climate change already affecting agricultural practices, BASF emphasizes the need for adaptable farming methods. Central to this strategy is the Global Carbon Trials Program, which tests various technologies and practices on farms to determine effective combinations tailored to specific crops, regional practices, and local climates. Early results from these trials indicate that significant emissions reductions are achievable, often reaching the targeted 30% reduction compared to conventional practices.
The knowledge gained from these trials forms the backbone of BASF’s Global Carbon Farming Program. By collaborating directly with farmers, BASF aims to co-design carbon farming initiatives that are both effective and tailored to individual needs. This approach not only enhances farmers’ ability to reduce emissions but also positions them to generate carbon credits, creating a potential new revenue stream while promoting sustainable practices.
In addition to traditional agricultural techniques, digital farming technologies are playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing agricultural resilience. As climate variability disrupts established farming routines, data-driven solutions become indispensable. BASF’s xarvio platform offers real-time data and predictive models that help farmers make informed decisions about crop management. The platform enables more precise application of inputs, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and only when necessary. This not only optimizes yields but also aligns with integrated pest management strategies, reinforcing sustainable farming practices.
Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe poses another challenge for BASF. The company is heavily invested in research and development to ensure that new innovations meet both farmer needs and stringent regulatory standards. As EU policies shift towards more sustainable practices, BASF is committed to aligning its innovations with these guiding principles. However, Carneiro stresses the importance of a more pragmatic approach to regulatory approvals, which can often slow the introduction of beneficial technologies. By fostering open dialogue with policymakers, BASF aims to ensure that its innovations can contribute to a sustainable agricultural future without unnecessary delays.
Collaboration is at the heart of BASF’s strategy for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Through the Global Carbon Farming Program, the company partners with food value chain stakeholders to encourage practices such as cover cropping and reduced tillage. These initiatives not only enhance carbon storage in soils but also incentivize farmers to adopt transformative approaches that benefit the entire agricultural ecosystem. By creating platforms where all parties can benefit, BASF seeks to ensure that sustainable practices are not just a trend but a lasting shift in the agricultural landscape.
As the agricultural sector grapples with the realities of climate change, BASF’s commitment to fostering resilience through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships is more crucial than ever. The upcoming World Agri-Tech summit will provide a platform for further discussion on these vital topics, with Carneiro’s insights expected to inspire action and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture in Europe.