b'We Owe it to Future Generations to Deal Proactively with Regulatory, Political ChallengesA FEW MONTHS AGO,a new government tookfact that the government of Mexico has not allowed power in Colombia. This historic election result madethe use of GM seeds and is an importer of GM grains, headlines around the world, and my colleagues and I ata decree issued at the end of 2020 includes a sched-Corteva Agriscience are working to learn more aboutule for Mexico to suspend GM corn use by 2024this new government and what potential implicationsthis would impact the flow of grains to Mexico in the could be for the Colombian seed sector and beyond. coming years.Shifts in the global political landscape can haveWhen it comes to Chile, the main issue at the major effects on the seed industrythat likely doesntmoment is a political discussion over the use, extrac-come as news to anyone reading this. What can oftention, and importation of peat. While the protection of surprise us is how significant and widespread theseChiles peatlands is of the utmost importance, a new AUGUSTO MORAES,effects can be for future generations if were not pre- bill under consideration by Chiles parliament proposes Latin Americapared to deal with them now. some drastic measures that would severely impact Government &From a commercial standpoint Brazil, Argentinaresearch and production of seeds in Chile, which could Industry Affairsand Mexico have major importance for Corteva. Fromaffect the seed supply globally and specifically for the Director, Cortevaan operational perspective, Chile is crucial to supply- U.S. and Europe. Agriscience ing seeds globally, in particular to the U.S. and theThese are issues that, for the most part, have European Union. been posing challenges to the industry for many While there are a large number of challenges asso- years. Furthermore, in Latin America, more than in ciated with all these regions, there are some big onesother parts of the world, the transition of power and that dominate the discussion right now.the political convictions of government officials may In Brazil, legislation that governs the export ofimpact the way policies are designed and restrictions treated seeds is on our radar. Currently, the Brazilianand incentives handled by each administration.business environment does not encourage new invest- The agricultural sector around the globe deals with ments, because the industry finds it difficult to exportvolatility, be from weather, pests, resistant weeds, dis-treated seeds to countries that use different treatmenteases, logistics or regulatory/political change. In Latin doses than the ones established here in Brazil.America, the latter is very dominant. This, of course, In Argentina, there is concern around the economicconcern us, but is not surprising as we have been deal-environment that could impact the importation ofing with it for a long time.inputs used in the formulation of crop protection prod- Many of these political/regulatory issues can be ucts and, in some ways, the production of grains. Thissolved through the alignment of the entire value chain is a major issue when it comes to crop protection, but it from input suppliers to large vendors, through to also presents challenges to the seed sector specifically.producers, exporters and buyers. Also, the recognition of intellectual property rightsIndustry and the entire value chain need to com-is a constant challenge there. For instance, its impor- municate the value of the seed sector to society and to tant to bear in mind that currently, Argentinas farm- government by highlighting its positive effects regard-ers use certified seed in only 15-20% of the total areaing economic developmentjob creation, importance planted with soybeans; there is a similar figure forto GDP and income, and also its value in contributing wheat seeds. In that context, the seed industry hasto social progress and environmental stewardship. taken a big leap and launched Sembr Evolucin, aThis is crucial to arriving at a solution to problems system by which farmers recognize the value of genet- that may be complex and may not be solved in their ics and biotechnology traits, not only in soybeans orentirety, but which will have wide implications for wheat seeds, but also in cotton and other importantfuture generations who will be faced with challenges crops nationwide.of their own. We can do a lot for those generations by In Mexico, the current administration has a strongmaking progress now and not kicking the can down position on GM corn and glyphosate. In addition to thethe road. SW 144/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2022'