Harvesting Hope: Sustainable farming is a force for good

The world is currently experiencing unparalleled levels of disruption: conflicts; human suffering; geopolitical tensions; and climate change compensation demands from the Global South. As Syngenta Group operates in almost all countries, our employees and their families are often caught in the middle of these disputes and humanitarian catastrophes. This raises questions about our approach and why we choose not to take a political stance.

At Syngenta, we believe in the fundamental human right to have access to food and are aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No.2 that aims to eliminate hunger worldwide by 2030. Hunger and food insecurity have been on the rise since 2015 due to various factors such as the pandemic, conflict, climate change, and inequality. In 2022, about 9.2% of the world's population, or 735 million people, experienced chronic hunger.

Our commitment to this common goal is deeply embedded in our corporate narrative and practices. We believe farmers should be able to provide food for people free from any political obstacles that prevent or delay the development and accessibility of sustainable farming techniques.

The Politics of Agriculture

Agriculture is political because it involves decisions and policies made by governments and other political actors that affect the production, distribution, and consumption of food. These decisions can have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts, and they often reflect competing interests and values. For example, trade policies and agreements can impact the global flow of agricultural products and the livelihoods of farmers in different countries.

Rooted in Purpose

We recognize that agriculture forms the bedrock of civilization, not just as a means of sustenance but as a cultural, social, and economic cornerstone. Empowering individuals and communities to access resources, cultivate their lands, and produce food is more than a business endeavor—for many millions of farmers it’s their way of life, their identity which we respect.

Framed in International Law

The recognition of the right to food can be traced back to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Article 25 of the UDHR states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being, including food. Subsequently, in 1966 the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) further elaborated on the right to food, emphasizing the need for progressive realization and international cooperation to ensure its fulfillment.

Sustainable Practices

Our commitment extends beyond mere productivity. We champion sustainable agricultural practices that preserve and restore the environment while keeping land productivity high. We invest in research and development, striving to innovate and implement techniques that protect natural resources, and mitigate climate change.

Sustainable farming cares for the health of the soil and biodiverse landscapes at a local level. And it deals with access to water and the climate as shared resources that affect the whole world. To feed growing populations, international collaboration is inevitable. Farmers can't ignore the limits of our planet. To achieve sustainable agriculture and ensure everyone's right to food, we need to work together despite conflicts and tensions.

Treating Everyone with Respect

We deeply care for our employees and families and treat everybody with respect. This is more important than ever. Our Code of Conduct is so much more than a guide to stay lawful. It expresses the foundation of how we carry ourselves forward as a team despite all conflicts and tensions. Every employee must respect the rights of colleagues to work free from any form of discrimination or harassment in the workplace. This is important as our world becomes so much more intertwined.

How we perceive the world, and our actions are shaped by our cultural background. Cultural bias can hinder inclusivity. Cultural Bias is an unconscious, learned stereotype that can impact our behavior. Developing a mindset to look at the world from multiple perspectives is a gradual process that requires time and exposure. Being mindful of our biases and practicing will accelerate the development of inclusive leadership skills.

My conclusion

International humanitarian law contains important rules aimed at ensuring that persons affected by armed conflict have access to food, reinforcing my conviction that agriculture should not be politicized. Decisions related to agriculture should be based on facts and consideration for both local and global needs and boundaries. Syngenta has the aim to keep agriculture free from politics and conflicts. To achieve this, we must work together as a team in a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free environment.