To meet the growing need for sustainability information about food, Bayer has introduced Grow On, an initiative to provide growers with tools to identify, implement and communicate sustainable farming practices. Grow On provides citrus, grape, pome and stone fruit, potato, tree nut and vegetable growers with the resources needed to continue to sustainably produce safe, nutritious food for the growing global population.
“Generations of growers have rapidly embraced new agricultural technologies that not only have improved their environmental sustainability but also increased yields and farm productivity,” said Jennifer Maloney, Bayer food chain and sustainability manager. “Through Grow On, growers can identify products that achieve sustainability benefits in six key areas and then utilize tools to share those benefits with stakeholders.”
Those six areas are Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, optimizing plant water usage and water quality, improving soil health and plant nutrient uptake, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use, ensuring safe work environments, and reducing food waste by preventing pre-harvest loss and extending post-harvest shelf life.