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warming potential, the advantage becomes even more signifi­
cant. “We’ve been delivering water-use efficiency and climate 
resilience for more than two decades,” Ré says. “The next step is 
accelerating genetic gain with tools like genomic selection and 
gene editing.”
RiceTec’s genomic platform identifies DNA regions linked to 
yield stability under heat and drought. “We’re identifying and 
combining the regions that keep yields steady when tempera­
tures spike or irrigation water runs low,” Ré explains. “That’s 
where sustainability meets profitability.”
At Semillas Fitó, the breeding approach focuses on reducing 
inputs and improving efficiency in different ways. “We’re not yet 
targeting nitrogen-use efficiency in cereals,” Fitó says, “but in 
vegetables we focus on labor-saving and worker-friendly traits — 
plants that are easier to prune, with fewer thorns and smoother 
surfaces. That’s sustainability for people.”
His vegetable programs also extend into nutrition. “We’re 
selecting ‘superfood’ varieties with higher antioxidant content 
and better health value,” he says. “Sustainability is not only about 
convenience or taste — it’s about human well-being.”
Sustainability Starts at Home
Farmers are not the only ones under pressure to reduce their 
footprint. Seed companies are also rethinking how they operate.
At RiceTec, a shift is underway in seed production. In 
India, the company is moving hybrid seed multiplication 
from transplanting to direct seeded rice. “It’s one of our most 
impactful initiatives,” Ré says. “Moving to DSR in seed production 
alone can significantly reduce water use, greenhouse gas 
emissions and labor demands.”
But DSR brings technical challenges. “Each parent line 
responds differently,” Ré explains. “Synchronizing flowering 
for pollination is critical, so we’ve had to adjust breeding lines 
and agronomic management at the same time.” The result 
is a production model that mirrors the sustainability benefits 
promoted to farmers.
Across its global footprint, RiceTec continues investing in 
breeding platforms, seed treatments and agronomic systems 
that reduce inputs while maintaining yield. “From methane-
reducing hybrids to water-efficient systems, sustainability is 
embedded in every stage of our value chain,” Ré says.
At Bayer, sustainability is now an enterprise-wide discipline. 
“We are committed to building an efficient and sustainable 
end-to-end supply chain,” Lourenço explains. The company’s 
targets include:
• Climate neutrality across all sites by 2030
• 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 
levels by 2029
• 100% renewable electricity worldwide
• 12.3% reduction in supply chain emissions by 2029, with 
net zero across the full value chain by 2050
Water management is another focus. “Fresh water is critical 
for seed production,” Lourenço notes. “We’re partnering 
with growers in water-scarce regions to identify risks and 
improve efficiency.” By 2030, Bayer plans to implement water 
management systems across all relevant sites and strengthen 
watershed stewardship.
Fitó takes a ground-up approach. “We encourage 
employees to bring ideas,” he says. “If someone suggests a 
way to save water or recycle waste, we test it. When it works, 
The new sustainability toolbox combines precision genetics, operational accountability, and cultural engagement. PHOTO: RICETEC

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