How Companies Use Biotechnology in Agriculture to Increase Production
Biotechnology is making a big difference in U.S. farming, helping farmers grow healthier crops, control pests, and protect the environment. This technology changes the DNA of plants, animals, and microorganisms to make crops stronger, healthier, and more resistant to things like pests, disease, and harsh weather. With the demand for better, eco-friendly farming, some companies are leading the way in using biotech to boost farming. Here’s a look at some of the top U.S. companies using biotechnology to improve agriculture.
Bayer Crop Science
Bayer Crop Science, part of the big company Bayer AG, is a top player in farm biotech. Since they bought Monsanto in 2018, they’ve added even more advanced crop solutions to their lineup. They develop crops that resist weeds and pests and grow well even during droughts, helping farmers get better yields.
- Roundup Ready Crops: These crops can survive Bayer’s Roundup weed killer, so farmers can get rid of weeds without harming the crops.
- Bt Crops: These crops produce a natural toxin that keeps pests away, so farmers need fewer chemical pesticides.
Corteva Agriscience
Corteva used to be part of DowDuPont and is now a leader in sustainable agriculture. They focus on developing seeds and crop treatments to improve yields and help plants withstand stress.
- CRISPR Technology: This gene-editing tech helps create crops that can handle different growing conditions.
- Enlist System: A system that allows certain crops to tolerate herbicides, helping farmers manage tough weeds.
Syngenta
A global company with a big U.S. presence, Syngenta develops seeds and crop protection solutions. Their products help boost crop yield and make crops more resistant to pests and weather challenges.
- Agrisure Traits: Features that help corn grow better with resistance to pests and herbicides.
- Viptera: A special feature in crops to protect against insects, cutting down on the need for pesticides.
BASF Agricultural Solutions
This German company has a strong U.S. presence, offering products that combine crop protection with biotech and digital tools to help farmers.
- Clearfield Production System: A system where crops tolerate certain herbicides, so weeds can be targeted without harming the crops.
- Seed and Trait Innovations: Genetically modified seeds that help crops resist disease and grow in tough conditions.
Calysta
This California company creates alternative protein for animal feed, reducing the need for traditional crops. This helps lower the impact on farmland and resources.
- FeedKind® Protein: A protein for animal feed that reduces the environmental impact of livestock farming.
Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio provides crops with nitrogen through microbes instead of synthetic fertilizers, which often cause pollution. This helps farmers grow healthy crops while protecting the environment.
- PROVEN® and RETURN®: These products give plants the nitrogen they need directly, so farmers can use less synthetic fertilizer.
Indigo Agriculture
Indigo helps crops stay healthy and strong with special treatments that make plants more resilient to stresses like drought.
- Microbial Seed Treatments: Adds helpful microbes to seeds, making crops stronger against rough conditions.
- Indigo Carbon: Encourages farmers to use methods that help store carbon in the soil, which is better for the environment.
AgBiome
This North Carolina-based company uses microbes to naturally control pests and disease, cutting the need for synthetic pesticides.
- Howler®: A natural fungicide that controls plant diseases without chemicals.
- Synthetic-Free Pest Control: Uses microbes to target pests, reducing chemical use in farming.
GreenLight Biosciences
GreenLight creates targeted pest controls using RNA technology, which kills pests without affecting other insects or animals, helping farmers protect crops without hurting the environment.
- RNA Interference (RNAi): This tech targets harmful pests specifically, making it safer for the ecosystem.
Conclusion
Companies like Bayer, Corteva, and Syngenta are making farming better by creating tools that boost productivity and reduce environmental harm. Through GM seeds, natural pest control, and eco-friendly crop treatments, they’re paving the way for a more sustainable farming future. Watching what these companies do can give you a peek into the latest in eco-friendly farming practices. Want to know more! about how technology evolves science click here!