Productivity

We have the land and capabilities to produce enough food to meet the nutritional needs of all the world’s people today. Investments in technology, innovation and training are necessary to give farmers the tools they need to nourish a growing population estimated to reach more than 9 billion by 2050.

That’s why we advocate for policies and technologies that increase farmer yields and productivity. Farmers at every level – from smallholders to large-scale producers – need supportive policies that provide clear property rights and access to inputs, credit, storage, transportation and the means to manage the risk of crop failures.

To achieve sufficient, sustainable increases in agricultural productivity, we will need innovation in large- and small-scale production. Science must continue to play a role in improving productivity. The truth is, we can feed the world without relying on GM technology. We just shouldn’t. The consequences for land use, water use and greenhouse gas emissions would be too high, especially as we adapt to hotter, drier climates and need more drought- and heat-tolerant crops. Cargill will continue to source GM crops because they are critically important to sustainably nourishing a global population. At the same time, we’re developing non-GM products to meet growing consumer demand.