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Editor's note: The following is an op/ed from Monsanto following our Twitter chat on the future of sustainable agriculture on March 8. In case you missed it, you can catch a recap here.
Two weeks ago our CEO, Hugh Grant, took to Monsanto’s Twitter account to chat about agriculture’s role in mitigating climate change. We had fun and wanted to take some extra time for questions we couldn’t get to. The questions and our responses are listed here.
Does Monsanto have any actual goals in terms of what you can do to sequester carbon in a meaningful way? #Ag4TheFuture
— Triple Bottom Line (@3blnow) March 8, 2016
A. We have set a goal to reduce the operational greenhouse gas emissions intensity in our crop protection operations by an additional 22 percent by 2020. That’s based on our 2010 baseline. This represents a cumulative reduction of 45 percent from 2002.
Q1 @MonsantoCo: when did you start believing in science of #climatechange? Do you believe it is mostly manmade? #Ag4thefuture@TriplePundit— Henk Campher (@AngryAfrican) March 8, 2016
A. About eight years ago, a panel composed of 25 of our senior scientists to study climate change, assess its potential effects on crop systems and devise strategies for change.
We’ve approached it three ways: Is it real? Is it happening? And what can we do about it?
Increasingly, we’ve realized that agriculture can be part of the solution. And just in December we made a commitment to tackle climate change. You can learn more here.
Very excited to jump into the #Ag4theFuture conversation. What is the future of AG in mitigating climate change? Such a key question!— Derek Young (@dayoungtx) March 8, 2016
A. Increased precision and no-till are the next big steps in mitigating climate change. You can find more information on these efforts here.
#Ag4thefuture. Lots of Eco types are 100% against gmo. What is the best way to start the conversation about them without turning people off?
— water dispenser (@b2_h2o) March 8, 2016
A. Making balanced meals accessible to everyone in a sustainable way requires a wide range of ideas and resources. We know we can't do it alone and hope everyone can take a seat at the table to discuss
That’s why collaboration with farmers, researchers, non-profit organizations and universities will be required to tackle agriculture’s biggest challenges.
How can high-tech farming be made available to small-scale farmers? Is it cost-prohibitive? #Ag4thefuture— Social Entrepreneurs (@BizSocially) March 8, 2016
A. Access to better tools, better soil management, and fertilizer makes a huge difference on the farm. All farmers, large and small, have been collecting data. Can use Field View Prime for free
@nickaster#Ag4theFuture Q5 - and how can we better develop ways to put carbon back in the ground?
— Derek Young (@dayoungtx) March 8, 2016
A. We’re going to share best practices and our research in the area will be an open book.
#Ag4theFuture Q for panelists - why have so few been willing to address impacts of animal ag on climate esp when they are so significant?— Derek Young (@dayoungtx) March 8, 2016
A. We think all of agriculture needs to be at the table to tackle change. The good thing is that agriculture can help. We all need to do our part.
Could Monsanto help farmers be carbon negative? Will Monsanto measure this? #Ag4theFuture
— CSR Dispatch (@CSRDispatch) March 8, 2016
A. The earlier identification of needs and more precise application of solutions will continue to shift the needle.
Your sustainability committee charter doesn't mention water, do you have board oversight of material #water risks?#Ag4thefuture#ThirstyFood— Value Every Drop (@valueeverydrop) March 8, 2016
A. We’re committed to using water more efficiently through precision irrigation, drought resistant seeds, etc. Learn more here.
.@MonsantoCo Would you consider adding an environmental expert to your board? #Ag4thefuture https://t.co/1Uf4S8kR5Q— Brooke Barton (@BrookeDBarton) March 8, 2016
A. Several members of our Board of Directors are members of the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Committee.
People still freak out about GMOs. Does your stance on climate depend on GMOs? #Ag4thefuture
— CSR Dispatch (@CSRDispatch) March 8, 2016
A. GMOs are an essential tool in mitigating climate change. We’ll continue to work with experts in the field to communicate the safety and benefits of GMOs.
. @TriplePundit@MonsantoCo What is the biggest myth people have about your company that you wish you could dispel? #Ag4theFuture— Derick (@DerickHilde) March 8, 2016
A. Monsanto is more than just GMOs. You can find more information on our comprehensive approach here.
So, are we talking about making tech available to small farmers, or phasing these guys out for big farms? Smallscale = vital #Ag4thefuture
— Green IT (@DataEco) March 8, 2016
A. We agree: farmers of all sizes are important to growing enough food for the population.
That’s a great thing about GMOs and the new tech: it’s scale-neutral. Small and large farmers can reap benefits.
Q: What is the work on presicion ag and nitrogen #Ag4theFuture— pamstrifler (@superdog200) March 8, 2016
A. Climate Corp is doing remarkable work in advancing precision ag and nitrogen mapping. You can find more information on their products here.
It’s going to take many small steps and contributions to combat climate change. Farmers, environmentalists and agricultural companies like Monsanto play important roles in adapting to and mitigating climate change. You can find a full recap of our #Ag4theFuture Twitter chat with Triple Pundit here.
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