USCIB Moderates Side Event on Agriculture Sustainability and Food Security

Left to right: USCIB’s Natalie Bidner, John Deere’s Oriana Lisker Bosin, Department of State’s Anna Nelson, Cargill’s Emily Dimiero, and Bayer’s Jennifer Crall.

USCIB Director of International Agriculture Policy Natalie Bidner moderated a panel at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue: Industry Driving Solutions to Agriculture Sustainability and Food Security on October 29. The event explored industry innovation, and the global policies needed to enhance agricultural sustainability, crop efficiencies, and food security around the globe.  

Key topics included how to improve rural connectivity to facilitate access to modern technologies, open markets and the elimination of regulatory barriers to foster innovation, increased representation of farmers and the private sector in policy discussions, and enhanced public-private collaborations to drive technological advancements. 

“Sustainable agriculture practices are crucial for achieving global food security and supporting resilient farming systems,” said Bidner. “They are essential to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Targets 2.1 and 2.2, which aim to end hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.” 

Panelists included Jennifer Crall, Vice President of Sustainability Partnerships and Strategy at Bayer Crop Science; Oriana Lisker Bosin, Product Manager of Sustainability Solutions at John Deere; Emily Dimiero, Director, Federal Government Relations at Cargill; and Anna Nelson, Deputy Special Envoy for Global Food Security at the Department of State. 

USCIB’s Natalie Bidner along with USCIB Vice President of Membership Alison Hoiem, and USCIB SVP for Trade, and Investment and Digital Policy Alice Slayton Clark, who also attended the event.

Panelists underscored the importance of innovation, supported by policies that help ensure a sustainable and secure agricultural future, and what industry is doing to meet global demand.  

Nelson set the stage by explaining how climate change is pushing farmers to innovate with less arable land. She also praised Cargill and Bayer for their involvement in the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Champions Program, which helps develop climate-adaptive nutritious crop varieties and foster healthy, fertile soils. 

Crall discussed Bayer’s projects that advance multiple SDGs, highlighting the direct seeded rice project in India, which is more climate-friendly, resource-efficient, and increases yields. 

Bosin showcased John Deere’s precision farming machines that connect to the cloud, providing farmers with real-time insights and data. This technology lowers carbon emissions and boosts crop yields. 

Dimiero described various initiatives, including the Regen Connect Program, which help farmers mitigate risks associated with adopting new soil health practices. 

“At USCIB, we are committed to driving forward sustainable agricultural practices that not only enhance food security but also protect our environment,” said Bidner. “This event showcased the incredible innovations within the industry and highlighted the critical role of policy in supporting these advancements. Together, we can achieve a more sustainable and food-secure future.”