2017 Annual Report

MOVING TOWARDS REGULATORY EFFICIENCIES

CropLife International worked for synchronized submissions and mutual recognition of food safety assessments of plant biotech products globally to encourage predictable, science-based regulatory outcomes and reduce the time to market for plant biotech innovations without compromising the safety of food, feed and the environment.

With support from CropLife International, Australia and Canada solidified their safety assessment sharing agreement.

PLANT BREEDING INNOVATION

In 2017, CropLife International and the seed industry encouraged risk-proportionate, consistent policy approaches to plant breeding innovation, especially around gene edited products. CropLife International collaborated with regional and national seed associations to coordinate policy engagement and advocacy.

This cooperation has encouraged Chile, Brazil, Australia and soon Colombia to adopt science based, pro-innovation policies.

FOUR LANGUAGE STRATEGY

CropLife International’s global network functions in more than 40 geographies. To share benefits messages about plant biotechnology in all these geographies, we implemented a global strategy for acceptance communications that ensures content and communications activities for Chinese, English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking audiences.

Last year, the country teams leveraged content and best communications practices to ensure coordination and a strong digital presence in the four priority languages.

FOOD EVOLUTION

In June 2017, the independently-produced Food Evolution documentary debuted. The documentary explores the science behind GMOs and the benefits they bring, especially to rural farmers, and questions why the topic polarizes audiences.

CropLife International and the global network supported 25 screenings in 14 countries last year. The screenings reached 2,500 viewers and garnered over $600,000 in media value.

COMMITMENT TO PRODUCT RISK MANAGEMENT

CropLife International member companies continued their voluntary review of more than 6,400 crop protection products as part of their commitment to risk management. CropLife International also undertook a series of workshops to build risk assessment capacity among stakeholders in low income countries.

These actions formed part of our proactive engagement in the Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management.

ENHANCED GLOBAL STEWARDSHIP

A major project was launched to teach 400,000 Indian farmers about personal protective equipment and best practices when spraying crop protection products.

In addition, CropLife International supported integrated pest management training projects around the world, such as the Vietnam Rice Project which trained 15,000 farmers.

In total, CropLife International has trained more than 3.7 million workers since 2005.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION OF POLLINATORS

The crop protection industry recognizes the role pollinators play in global food production and supports research and farming practices that support pollinator health. In India and Ivory Coast CropLife International supported projects to promote utilization of pollination services and good stewardship to improve farmer yields and income. CropLife International also provides resources for stakeholders around ensuring pollinator health.

CODE OF CONDUCT

In order to improve knowledge of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, CropLife International continued to promote its e-learning tool on the Code. The program is available in 14 languages and helps users learn about the world’s standards for sound pesticide management practices. By the end of 2017, more than 8,000 completion certificates had been issued.

CELEBRATING OUR FOOD HEROES

Without farmers, there would be no food, but not everyone is aware of the role plant scientists play in helping them feed the world. The CropLife International #FoodHeroes campaign put a face on plant science by profiling 100 plant scientists and farmers. The campaign won the 2017 Agrow award for Best Public Outreach Program.

REPRESENTING INDUSTRY TO THE UNITED NATIONS

CropLife International was a founding member of the Global Business Alliance for the Environment, which is the interlocutor for business with the United Nations (UN) Environment Program and UN Environment Assembly (UNEA). Examples of businesses’ ability to assist UN Environment and UNEA include engagement of leaders to advance their agenda through partnerships, revised practices, and innovative business approaches.