Food giants fight for nature's future

Jul 19, 2024

Businesses push for sustainable food systems

By Farms.com

The fight against biodiversity loss is gaining momentum, with major corporations joining the cause. Over 130 companies, including industry leaders like Nestle and Danone, are urging world leaders to take stronger measures to protect biodiversity. This call to action coincides with the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in October 2024.

These companies belong to the Business for Nature coalition, which advocates for the implementation of the existing Biodiversity Plan, a global agreement signed by nearly all countries.

The plan sets ambitious goals for conservation and ecosystem restoration by 2030. Signatory countries are expected to present detailed plans outlining how they will achieve these goals, including reducing pesticide use and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The urgency for action stems from the significant impact of food production on biodiversity. The UN estimates that food systems contribute to a staggering 80% of global biodiversity loss and deforestation.

While incorporating biodiversity commitments into corporate sustainability plans is becoming more common, particularly outside the US, the food industry has historically been less proactive.

There are positive signs. Data from S&P Global shows a significant increase in the number of food companies setting biodiversity targets in 2022 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the upcoming EU ban on deforestation-linked products has prompted major industry players to take action.

Business for Nature believes that stronger government regulations are essential to accelerate progress on biodiversity. They advocate for policies that encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices and halt nature loss.

This includes financial and regulatory support for farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture models. The group also proposes mandatory water-use reporting for companies, along with specific targets for water usage and quality in both industry and agriculture.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.