b'he admits, but its now part of who we arepart of me. For Fit, sustainability is inseparable from purpose. A company must have a purpose beyond profit. Every decision we make impacts society, and we have a responsibility for those impacts.He sees sustainability as the expression of that responsibility: The more you learn, the more you realise that youre not running the show alone. Sustainability gives mean-ing to what we doits the framework that connects our business with society.That sentiment resonates across the industry. Whether expressed through Bayers decarbonisation charts, RiceTecs hybrid pipelines, Syngentas metrics dash-boards, or Fits bottom-up initiatives, sustainability has moved from project to purpose. It is no longer the frosting on the cake; it is the recipe itself.FROM TRAITS TO TRANSFORMATIONLooking across these companies, a clear pattern emerges. The new sustainability toolbox combines precision genetics, oper-ational accountability, and cultural engage-ment. Breeders are selecting for deeper roots and stronger stems, but also for deeper values and stronger commitments.Bayersrenewable-energyand water-management targets show that large Plant breeding turns climate goals into real-world impact, translating genetic gains into stronger yields,corporations can anchor climate action in lower footprints, and more resilient farming systems. Photo: Ricetec measurable goals. RiceTec demonstrates how a medium-sized, crop-specific firm Partnership, a collaboration of growers,farmers for verified regenerative practicescan transform an entire production system conservation groups, and the USDA. The a first of its kind in the region. through consistent trait development and programme promotes nutrient and irri- At Semillas Fit, the proudest achieve- farmer training. Syngentas data-driven gation management, aquifer protection,ment may not involve high technology at allframework integrates sustainability into and wildlife habitat across the Mid-Southbut human ingenuity. The water-recyclingevery research decision, ensuring innova-and Gulf Coast. Its about efficiency andidea came from the shop floor, not fromtion and responsibility advance together. biodiversity together, R says. When wemanagement, Fit says. That makes itSemillas Fit proves that small ideas, mul-protect the environment, we protect thespecial. His teams internal newsletter cel- tiplied across teams, can yield large results.farmers bottom line. ebrates every employee-led improvement,Through their collaboration in ISFs Bayers flagship example also comesfrom simple recycling hacks to proceduralESR-CG, these companies are ensuring from rice: its DirectAcres programme,changes that save electricity or reducethat such efforts resonate beyond their own which empowers smallholder farmerswaste. People see that their ideas matter,fields and facilities, helping shape a more to adopt sustainable practices. Throughhe adds. That culture is what keeps theunified and impactful sustainability agenda partnerships with the Indian Council ofmomentum. for the seed sector.Agricultural Research and the GovernmentForSyngenta,thePortfolioTogether, these stories mark a shift of India network of research stations, BayerSustainability Framework itself is bothfrom isolated projects to systemic change. is helping drive transformation in this criti- innovation and inspiration. Its changingAs Fit puts it, Sustainability isnt a cal food crop. DirectAcres helps farmers ashow we measure success, Allerding says.department. Its an attitude. they transition from transplanted puddledTo score highly in this framework, a vari-rice to direct-seeded rice, offering growersety cant just yield well; it has to score well agronomic training and providing digitalon resource efficiency and climate resilience. supportcomplete with chatbot guidanceThat alignment between product perfor-from the FarmRise app. mance and environmental performance is Our high-yielding Arize hybrids thatinfluencing the future of breeding.can be direct seeded give farmers strong, stable yields while cutting water use andPURPOSE AND THE HUMAN methane emissions, Loureno explains.FACTORIts not only a climate initiative; its a live- When asked what drives him personally, lihoods initiative. Bayer is also pioneeringFit pauses. I wasnt the one who first carbon-credit schemes in India that rewardbrought sustainability to our company,To read Part 1, scan the QR code.32ISEED WORLD EUROPEISEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPE | FEBRUARY 2026'