Embrapa and Corteva sign research agreement

Embrapa, the research arm of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, and Corteva Agriscience, from DowDuPont's Agriculture Division, signed an agreement to carry out research to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of Brazilian agriculture.  

Research will focus on genomics to improve crop tolerance to pests and drought, increase the post-harvest quality of agricultural products, and minimize the environmental impact of agriculture. The latest digital tools will be used to support early disease detection, and to improve forecasting and modeling capabilities for public and private decision makers.

The four-year contract was signed by Mauricio A. Lopes, president of Embrapa, and Neal Gutterson, director of technology at Corteva Agriscience, at the Woodrow Wilson Center of the Instituto Brasil, in Capital Washington, as part of a larger program entitled “The Sector Agricultural In The Era of Bioeconomy”.

Under the agreement, Corteva Agriscience will provide the technology and digital tools and Embrapa will conduct the research. 

“Embrapa’s main priorities are to increase Brazil’s agricultural sustainability and increase the livelihoods and competitiveness of its farmers. Genomics and advanced digital tools are two of the most powerful strategies for doing this. That’s why we are very excited about the agreement we signed today,” said Lopes.

Gutterson added: “Embrapa’s experience, expertise and commitment to science-based innovation make it an ideal partner for Corteva. We look forward to working together to create a better future for Brazilian farmers and a more sustainable environment for their communities.”