Netafim Precision Irrigation: Enhancing Water Use Efficiency

Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources worldwide, accounting for approximately 70% of total water withdrawals. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for food and water is set to increase significantly. At the same time, climate change, urbanization, and environmental degradation are putting increasing pressure on the availability and quality of water resources for agriculture. In this context, improving water use efficiency and productivity in agriculture is critical for ensuring food security, sustainable development, and climate resilience.

One of the most promising and innovative solutions for addressing this challenge is precision irrigation, a technology that enables farmers to apply water and nutrients to crops in a precise, controlled, and efficient manner, based on the specific needs and conditions of each plant and soil. Precision irrigation can help to reduce water and nutrient losses, improve crop yields and quality, and minimize the environmental impacts of agriculture, such as soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the leading companies in the field of precision irrigation is Netafim, an Israeli company founded in 1965 that has pioneered the development and commercialization of drip irrigation technology. Netafim's precision irrigation solutions, which include advanced drippers, sensors, automation systems, and software tools, have been adopted by farmers in over 110 countries worldwide, covering a wide range of crops, climates, and socio-economic contexts.

Overview of Netafim's Precision Irrigation Technology

Drip Irrigation

The core of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is drip irrigation, a method of applying water and nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, through a network of pipes, valves, and emitters. Drip irrigation was invented by Netafim's founder, Simcha Blass, in the early 1960s, and has since become a widely adopted and proven technology for improving water use efficiency and crop productivity in agriculture.

Compared to traditional irrigation methods, such as flood, furrow, or sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation offers several advantages, including:

Higher water use efficiency: Drip irrigation can achieve water use efficiencies of up to 95%, compared to 50-70% for sprinkler irrigation and 40-50% for flood irrigation. This means that drip irrigation can reduce water consumption by 30-60% while maintaining or increasing crop yields.
Precise and uniform application: Drip irrigation allows for the precise and uniform application of water and nutrients to each plant, based on its specific requirements and growth stage. This can help to optimize crop growth and development, improve crop quality and uniformity, and reduce the risk of over- or under-irrigation.
Reduced soil erosion and runoff: Drip irrigation applies water slowly and directly to the root zone, minimizing soil disturbance and water runoff. This can help to reduce soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and water pollution, particularly in sloping or marginal lands.
Improved fertilizer use efficiency: Drip irrigation can be used to apply fertilizers and other agrochemicals directly to the root zone, in a process called fertigation. This can improve fertilizer use efficiency by up to 30%, reduce fertilizer costs and environmental impacts, and enhance crop nutrition and quality.
Reduced weed growth and disease pressure: Drip irrigation wets only the root zone of the crop, leaving the surrounding soil dry and less conducive to weed growth and disease development. This can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides, and improve crop health and resilience.

Netafim has developed a wide range of drip irrigation products and solutions, tailored to the specific needs and conditions of different crops, soils, and climates.

Some of the key components of Netafim's drip irrigation systems include:

Dripperlines: These are the pipes that carry water and nutrients to the plants, and are typically made of flexible polyethylene or PVC. Netafim offers a range of dripperline diameters, wall thicknesses, and emitter spacings, to suit different flow rates, pressures, and crop row spacings.
Emitters: These are the devices that control the release of water and nutrients from the dripperlines, and are typically spaced at regular intervals along the dripperline. Netafim offers a range of emitter types, such as pressure-compensating, non-drain, and anti-siphon emitters, to ensure uniform and reliable water distribution under different operating conditions.
Filters: These are the devices that remove particles, debris, and contaminants from the irrigation water, to prevent clogging and damage to the emitters and dripperlines. Netafim offers a range of filter types, such as screen, disc, and media filters, to suit different water sources and quality levels.
Valves and controllers: These are the devices that regulate the flow and timing of water and nutrients through the drip irrigation system, based on the crop water requirements and irrigation schedule. Netafim offers a range of valve types, such as manual, electric, and hydraulic valves, as well as controllers and automation systems that can be programmed and remotely monitored.

Precision Irrigation Technologies

In addition to its core drip irrigation products, Netafim has also developed a range of precision irrigation technologies that enable farmers to optimize water and nutrient management based on real-time data and analytics. These technologies include:

Soil moisture sensors: These are devices that measure the water content and tension in the soil, and provide real-time feedback on the crop water status and irrigation needs. Netafim offers a range of soil moisture sensor types, such as capacitance, tensiometer, and time-domain reflectometry sensors, that can be installed at different depths and locations in the field, and integrated with the drip irrigation system and automation platform.
Weather stations: These are devices that measure various meteorological parameters, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, and provide data for estimating crop evapotranspiration and irrigation requirements. Netafim offers a range of weather station types, such as compact, modular, and wireless stations, that can be installed in the field or accessed through online platforms, and integrated with the drip irrigation system and decision support tools.
Plant sensors: These are devices that measure various plant physiological parameters, such as leaf temperature, stem diameter, and sap flow, and provide indicators of plant water stress and health. Netafim offers a range of plant sensor types, such as infrared thermometers, dendrometers, and sap flow sensors, that can be installed on individual plants or canopies, and integrated with the drip irrigation system and precision agriculture software.
Remote sensing: This is a technology that uses satellite, aerial, or drone imagery to map and monitor crop growth, health, and water use across large areas and at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Netafim offers a range of remote sensing products and services, such as vegetation indices, crop water stress maps, and yield forecasts, that can be accessed through online platforms and mobile apps, and used to optimize drip irrigation scheduling and precision agriculture decisions.
Automation and control systems: These are technologies that enable the remote and automatic operation and monitoring of drip irrigation systems, based on real-time data and user-defined parameters. Netafim offers a range of automation and control products, such as web-based platforms, mobile apps, and smart controllers, that can be used to program and adjust irrigation schedules, monitor system performance and alerts, and integrate with other precision agriculture tools and data sources.

Benefits and Advantages

The combination of Netafim's drip irrigation and precision irrigation technologies offers several benefits and advantages for farmers, including:

Increased water use efficiency and savings: By applying water and nutrients directly to the root zone, and optimizing irrigation scheduling based on real-time data, Netafim's precision irrigation solutions can achieve water savings of up to 50% compared to traditional irrigation methods, while maintaining or increasing crop yields and quality.
Improved nutrient use efficiency and crop nutrition: By enabling the precise and timely application of fertilizers and other agrochemicals through the drip irrigation system, Netafim's precision irrigation solutions can improve nutrient use efficiency by up to 30%, reduce fertilizer costs and environmental impacts, and enhance crop nutrition and quality.
Enhanced crop yields and quality: By providing the optimal amount and timing of water and nutrients to each plant, based on its specific needs and growth stage, Netafim's precision irrigation solutions can increase crop yields by up to 30%, improve crop uniformity and marketability, and extend the harvest season and shelf life of produce.
Reduced labor and energy costs: By automating and remotely controlling the drip irrigation system, and reducing the need for manual labor and field operations, Netafim's precision irrigation solutions can reduce labor costs by up to 80% and energy costs by up to 30%, while improving the efficiency and convenience of irrigation management.
Improved soil health and environmental sustainability: By minimizing water runoff, soil erosion, and nutrient leaching, and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, Netafim's precision irrigation solutions can improve soil health and structure, enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services, and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.

Applications and Case Studies

Row Crops

One of the main applications of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is in row crops, such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and sugarcane. These crops are typically grown in large, uniform fields, and require high volumes of water and nutrients to achieve optimal yields and quality. However, they are also subject to various water-related stresses, such as drought, salinity, and waterlogging, which can significantly reduce crop productivity and profitability.

Netafim has developed specific drip irrigation and precision irrigation solutions for row crops, which can help farmers improve water use efficiency, increase crop yields, and reduce production costs. For example, Netafim's subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) system, which involves burying the dripperlines below the soil surface, can provide water and nutrients directly to the crop roots, while minimizing evaporation, runoff, and weed growth. Netafim's SDI system can also be integrated with precision irrigation technologies, such as soil moisture sensors and variable rate irrigation, to optimize water and nutrient application based on the spatial and temporal variability of the field.

A case study of Netafim's precision irrigation technology in row crops is the Tawdeehiya Farm in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest agricultural projects in the world, covering an area of 35,000 hectares. The farm uses Netafim's SDI system to grow a variety of crops, including alfalfa, corn, and wheat, in a desert environment with limited water resources and high evaporation rates. By using Netafim's SDI system and precision irrigation technologies, the farm has achieved water savings of up to 50%, increased crop yields by up to 30%, and reduced fertilizer and energy costs by up to 40%, compared to traditional irrigation methods. The farm has also implemented a range of sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, to improve soil health and biodiversity, and to reduce the environmental impacts of agriculture.

Orchards and Vineyards

Another major application of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is in orchards and vineyards, such as fruit trees, nut trees, and grapevines. These crops are typically grown in multi-year cycles and require precise and targeted water and nutrient management to optimize fruit yield, quality, and longevity. However, they are also subject to various water-related challenges, such as irregular rainfall patterns, soil variability, and disease pressure, which can affect crop health and productivity.

Netafim has developed specific drip irrigation and precision irrigation solutions for orchards and vineyards, which can help farmers to improve water use efficiency, increase fruit quality and uniformity, and reduce labor and input costs. For example, Netafim's micro-sprinkler system, which involves installing small sprinklers or jets near each tree or vine, can provide localized and uniform water and nutrient application, while minimizing evaporation and wind drift. Netafim's micro-sprinkler system can also be integrated with precision irrigation technologies, such as weather stations and plant sensors, to optimize irrigation scheduling based on the crop water requirements and stress indicators.

A case study of Netafim's precision irrigation technology in orchards and vineyards is the Carmel Winery in Israel, one of the largest and most advanced wineries in the country, producing over 15 million bottles of wine per year. The winery uses Netafim's drip irrigation system and precision irrigation technologies to grow a variety of grapevine cultivars, in a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and variable soil types. By using Netafim's drip irrigation system and precision irrigation technologies, the winery has achieved water savings of up to 30%, increased grape yield and quality by up to 20%, and reduced pesticide and fertilizer use by up to 50%, compared to traditional irrigation methods. The winery has also implemented a range of precision viticulture practices, such as canopy management, deficit irrigation, and selective harvesting, to enhance the flavor and aroma profiles of the wines, and to adapt to the changing climate and consumer preferences.

Greenhouses and Vertical Farms

A third application of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is in greenhouses and vertical farms, which are controlled environment agriculture systems that enable year-round production of high-value crops, such as vegetables, herbs, and flowers. These systems typically involve growing crops in soil-less media, such as hydroponic or aeroponic systems, and using artificial lighting, climate control, and automation technologies to optimize crop growth and quality. However, they also require precise and efficient water and nutrient management, to minimize waste and costs, and to ensure food safety and sustainability.

Netafim has developed specific drip irrigation and precision irrigation solutions for greenhouses and vertical farms, which can help farmers to improve water use efficiency, increase crop yields and quality, and reduce labor and energy costs. For example, Netafim's fertigation system, which involves injecting fertilizers and other nutrients into the irrigation water, can provide balanced and targeted nutrition to each plant, based on its growth stage and nutrient requirements. Netafim's fertigation system can also be integrated with precision irrigation technologies, such as pH and EC sensors, to monitor and adjust the nutrient solution in real-time, and to prevent nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.

A case study of Netafim's precision irrigation technology in greenhouses and vertical farms is the Sundrop Farms in Australia, a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility that uses solar power, seawater desalination, and hydroponics to grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in a desert environment. The farm uses Netafim's drip irrigation system and precision irrigation technologies to deliver water and nutrients to the plants, through a closed-loop system that recycles the drainage water and minimizes the environmental impacts. By using Netafim's drip irrigation system and precision irrigation technologies, the farm has achieved water savings of up to 90%, increased crop yields by up to 40%, and reduced energy and input costs by up to 60%, compared to traditional greenhouse systems. The farm has also implemented a range of sustainable agriculture practices, such as integrated pest management, waste recycling, and community engagement, to enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the many benefits and advantages of Netafim's precision irrigation technology, several challenges and limitations need to be addressed, to ensure its wider adoption and sustainable impact. Some of these challenges and limitations include:

Initial Investment and Operational Costs

One of the main challenges of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is the high initial investment and operational costs, compared to traditional irrigation methods. The installation of drip irrigation systems and precision irrigation technologies requires significant capital expenditures for equipment, materials, and labor, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per hectare, depending on the crop, soil, and climate conditions. The operation and maintenance of precision irrigation systems also involve ongoing costs for energy, water, fertilizers, and repairs, which can account for 10-30% of the total production costs.

For smallholder farmers and resource-poor communities, the high costs of precision irrigation technology can be a major barrier to adoption, unless they have access to affordable financing, subsidies, or collective action mechanisms. For large-scale farmers and agribusinesses, the return on investment of precision irrigation technology depends on various factors, such as crop value, market demand, and risk management, which can vary widely across different regions and segments.

To overcome the cost barriers of precision irrigation technology, Netafim has developed various business models and partnerships, such as:

Irrigation as a Service (IaaS): A model where Netafim provides the irrigation system, maintenance, and agronomic support to farmers, in exchange for a share of the crop revenue or a fixed fee per hectare. This model can help farmers to access precision irrigation technology without the upfront costs and risks, while also benefiting from Netafim's expertise and economies of scale.
Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): A model where farmers can purchase Netafim's precision irrigation products and services on a flexible and incremental basis, using mobile money, credit, or savings. This model can help farmers to align their cash flows with the crop cycles and market conditions, and to gradually scale up their irrigation investments based on their needs and preferences.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): A model where Netafim collaborates with governments, development agencies, and other stakeholders, to co-finance and implement large-scale irrigation projects that have social and environmental benefits, such as food security, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience. This model can help to leverage public and private resources and expertise and to create an enabling environment for the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation technology.

Technical Complexity and Knowledge Gaps

Another challenge of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is the technical complexity and knowledge gaps that farmers and service providers face, in designing, installing, operating, and maintaining the systems. Precision irrigation involves a wide range of technologies, such as sensors, automation, data analytics, and agronomy, which require specific skills, tools, and experience to use effectively and efficiently. Many farmers, especially in developing countries and smallholder contexts, may lack the technical capacity, information access, and learning opportunities to adopt and benefit from precision irrigation technology.

Moreover, the performance and reliability of precision irrigation systems depend on various site-specific factors, such as crop type, growth stage, soil properties, water quality, and climate conditions, which can vary widely within and across farms and regions. The improper design, calibration, or management of precision irrigation systems can lead to suboptimal or even detrimental outcomes, such as water stress, nutrient imbalances, or crop failures, which can undermine the trust and confidence of farmers in the technology.

To address the technical complexity and knowledge gaps of precision irrigation technology, Netafim has developed various capacity-building and support services, such as:

Training and Demonstration: Netafim provides technical training and demonstration services to farmers, technicians, and agronomists, through its global network of dealers, agronomists, and training centers. The training covers the principles, practices, and troubleshooting of precision irrigation systems, using a combination of classroom, online, and field-based learning methods.
Agronomy and Crop Management: Netafim offers agronomic and crop management services to farmers, to help them optimize the irrigation, fertigation, and crop protection practices, based on the specific needs and conditions of their farms. The services include soil and water analysis, crop monitoring, pest and disease scouting, and yield mapping, using advanced tools and data analytics.
Remote Monitoring and Support: Netafim provides remote monitoring and support services to farmers, using its NetBeat platform and mobile app. The platform enables farmers to monitor and control their irrigation systems remotely, receive alerts and recommendations based on real-time data, and access expert advice and support from Netafim's agronomists and technicians.
Knowledge Sharing and Networking: Netafim promotes knowledge sharing and networking among farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders, through its online and offline communities, events, and publications. The knowledge sharing covers the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in precision irrigation and sustainable agriculture, and facilitates peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

Ecosystem Compatibility and Scalability

A third challenge of Netafim's precision irrigation technology is the ecosystem compatibility and scalability, in terms of its integration with other components of the agricultural value chain, such as seeds, fertilizers, finance, markets, and policies. Precision irrigation is not a standalone solution, but rather a part of a broader system of sustainable intensification, that requires coordination and synergy with other actors and factors of agricultural development.

For example, the adoption and impact of precision irrigation technology can be limited by the availability and affordability of complementary inputs, such as improved seeds, organic fertilizers, and biopesticides, which are essential for optimizing crop yield and quality. Similarly, access to credit, insurance, and market linkages can be critical for enabling farmers to invest in and benefit from precision irrigation technology, especially in the face of production and market risks.

Moreover, the scalability and sustainability of precision irrigation technology depend on the enabling environment, such as water governance, land tenure, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, which can vary widely across countries and regions. The fragmented and often conflicting policies and institutions for water, agriculture, and environment can create barriers and disincentives for the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation technology, especially in transboundary and multi-stakeholder contexts.

To enhance the ecosystem compatibility and scalability of precision irrigation technology, Netafim has developed various partnership and advocacy strategies, such as:

Value Chain Partnerships: Netafim collaborates with other value chain actors, such as seed companies, fertilizer suppliers, financial institutions, and food processors, to develop and promote integrated solutions that enhance the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of precision irrigation systems. For example, Netafim has partnered with Bayer Crop Science to offer a combined solution of drip irrigation and crop protection, that optimizes the water and pest management for high-value crops.
Policy Engagement and Advocacy: Netafim engages with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders, to promote policies and investments that create an enabling environment for the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation technology. For example, Netafim has advocated for the inclusion of precision irrigation in the national and regional agricultural development plans, such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in India, and the Green Morocco Plan in Morocco.
Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and Initiatives: Netafim participates in and supports multi-stakeholder platforms and initiatives, that bring together diverse actors and interests to co-create and scale solutions for sustainable agriculture and water management. For example, Netafim is a member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), a global network that promotes the responsible use of freshwater resources, and the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, a food and beverage industry initiative that promotes sustainable sourcing and farming practices.

Opportunities and Way Forward

Despite the challenges and limitations, Netafim's precision irrigation technology offers significant opportunities and potential for transforming the agricultural sector and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). To realize these opportunities and scale up the impact of precision irrigation technology, several strategies and actions are needed, such as:

Research and Innovation

Continued research and innovation are essential for improving the performance, affordability, and adaptability of precision irrigation technology, and for generating evidence and knowledge on its impacts and synergies with other sustainable agriculture practices.

Some of the key research and innovation priorities for precision irrigation include:

Developing new and improved sensors, materials, and designs for drip irrigation systems, that can enhance the efficiency, durability, and versatility of the technology, and reduce the costs and environmental footprint of manufacturing and disposal.
Integrating precision irrigation with other precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing, machine learning, and robotics, enables more accurate and automated monitoring, prediction, and management of crop water needs and stresses.
Conducting multi-disciplinary and participatory research on the agronomic, economic, social, and environmental impacts of precision irrigation, and on the enablers and barriers for its adoption and scaling, using a systems approach and a diversity of methods and metrics.
Fostering innovation ecosystems and platforms that bring together farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, to co-design, test, and scale locally adapted and demand-driven precision irrigation solutions, and to facilitate learning and exchange across contexts and scales.

Capacity Building and Extension

Capacity building and extension are critical for empowering farmers and service providers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to adopt and benefit from precision irrigation technology, and for creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its scaling and sustainability.

Some of the key capacity-building and extension priorities for precision irrigation include:

Developing and delivering comprehensive and tailored training and extension programs on precision irrigation, that cover the technical, agronomic, economic, and social aspects of the technology, and that use a variety of learning methods and materials, such as demonstrations, videos, mobile apps, and peer-to-peer exchanges.
Strengthening the capacity and reach of extension and advisory services, by investing in the training, equipping, and incentivizing of extension agents and lead farmers, and by leveraging digital technologies and platforms to provide timely and targeted information and support to farmers.
Promoting farmer-led innovation and experimentation, by providing farmers with the resources, recognition, and networks to test and adapt precision irrigation practices to their contexts and needs, and to share their experiences and lessons with other farmers and stakeholders.
Building multi-stakeholder partnerships and coalitions, that bring together the expertise, resources, and influence of different actors, such as government agencies, research institutes, private companies, civil society organizations, and farmer groups, to co-create and scale capacity building and extension programs for precision irrigation.

Policy and Investment

Policy and investment are essential for creating an enabling and attractive environment for the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation technology, and for aligning its development and deployment with broader goals and strategies for sustainable agriculture, water management, and climate resilience.

Some of the key policy and investment priorities for precision irrigation include:

Developing and implementing policies and regulations that promote the sustainable and equitable use of water resources, such as water pricing, allocation, and quality standards, and that incentivize the adoption of water-saving technologies and practices, such as precision irrigation, through subsidies, tax breaks, or other financial instruments.
Investing in the infrastructure and institutions that support the development and deployment of precision irrigation, such as irrigation schemes, water user associations, credit and insurance services, and market information systems, and that foster the integration and synergy of precision irrigation with other sustainable agriculture practices and value chains.
Mainstreaming precision irrigation in national and regional agricultural and water policies and plans, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and aligning its implementation with other relevant sectors and strategies, such as food security, rural development, and biodiversity conservation.
Mobilizing public and private finance for precision irrigation, through innovative and blended mechanisms, such as impact investing, carbon finance, and performance-based contracts, and leveraging the potential of precision irrigation to generate multiple benefits and revenue streams, such as water savings, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services.

Conclusion

Netafim's precision irrigation technology represents a significant innovation and opportunity for enhancing water use efficiency and productivity in agriculture, and for contributing to the sustainable intensification of food systems. By enabling farmers to apply water and nutrients in a precise, targeted, and automated manner, precision irrigation can help to increase crop yields and quality, reduce water and energy consumption, and minimize the environmental impacts of agriculture, such as soil degradation, nutrient pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation technology also face several challenges and limitations, such as the high initial costs, the technical complexity, and the ecosystem barriers, which require a concerted and collaborative effort from different stakeholders and sectors to address and overcome. To realize the full potential and impact of precision irrigation technology, it is essential to invest in research and innovation, capacity building and extension, and policy and finance, and to foster a systemic and inclusive approach to its development and deployment.

Netafim, as a pioneer and leader in precision irrigation technology, has a vital role and responsibility in advancing the sustainable and equitable use of water resources in agriculture, and in promoting the adoption and scaling of precision irrigation and other sustainable agriculture practices. Through its innovative products and services, its partnerships and advocacy, and its commitment to sustainability and shared value, Netafim can help to transform the agricultural sector and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the planet.

As the world faces the dual challenges of feeding a growing population and adapting to a changing climate, precision irrigation technology offers a promising and powerful tool for enabling farmers to produce more food with less water, and for building a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system. By embracing and scaling precision irrigation and other sustainable agriculture innovations, we can help to ensure food security, water security, and environmental sustainability for current and future generations, and create a world where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food while preserving and regenerating the natural resources and ecosystems that support life on earth.