A New Vision for Agriculture

28 January, 2011, Davos, Switzerland

Over the past 18 months, the World Economic Forum’s New Vision for Agriculture initiative (NVA) has defined a vision of agriculture as a driver of food security, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. To achieve this vision, the NVA has developed public-private collaboration at both global and country level. Mike Mack, Syngenta CEO, joined fellow project team leaders to mark the launch at this year’s World Economic Forum.

 Developed by a team of companies across the value chain, the NVA consists of a frame composed of three interconnected parameters: food security, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity for farmers. The initiative seeks to facilitate discussion and align different stakeholders towards common objectives defining the power of agriculture. It also presents a framework to monitor progress in agriculture in a consistent way and to establish shared responsibilities between private companies, public sector and society.

 “We believe that agriculture has one of the most important roles in the world today - to be a game changer for society,” said Mike Mack. “Through agriculture we can unleash the potential of rural communities, providing a sustainable economic activity and social inclusion.”

“All three dimensions of the NVA frame can be improved individually, but it is very difficult to move all three together. It is certainly very difficult to do this alone,” continued Mack. “Through this initiative, we can expand our ability to create impact by catalyzing partnership and collaboration. Without public-private partnership interaction, the full potential of agriculture cannot be unleashed or revealed.”

Related links:

Read the press release here.

New Vision for Agriculture – Full Report

Learn more about Syngenta’s contribution to rural economies here.

Read more about the 41st Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum here.