We believe that the solutions to some of the world’s biggest development challenges can be found in some its smallest places. Tiny, potentially problem-solving technologies can be found all around us in symbiosis with each other. Where? In the natural world. 

In the eighth episode of the Natural Plant Protection (NPP) – Podcast, we understand how the power of micro can help more cocoa grow on less land using BANZAI, a bespoke biosolution developed exclusively for use with cocoa crops in West Africa. BANZAI is helping improve the environmental and economic resilience of cocoa communities by supporting new opportunities to farmers.  

Host Dan Sanchez is joined by Hubert Ehouman, Cocoa Lead for UPL’s work across West and Central Africa. With Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast accounting for 75% of the world’s cocoa production, the need to farm sustainably and with respect for the environment is clashing with the demands of the global cocoa market. Listen to the podcast to find out exactly how UPL is solving this unique challenge! 

To learn more about NPP, visit: www.npp.ag/ 

Series overview:

The UPL Reimagining Sustainability podcast series focuses on the possibilities for climate-positive sustainable agriculture. Through the insight and experience of UPL, farmers on the ground and international stakeholders, we discuss how agriculture is the one industry with the ability to make a truly positive impact on sustainability for the environment, the global food chain and local communities.

About

What do football and farming have in common? It’s more than fields, it’s a commitment and responsibility to sustainability. Amid the FIFA World Cup 2022, we discuss about the partnership between UPL and FIFA – and what it means for Reimagining Sustainability in agriculture. Hear from FIFA’s head of sustainability, Federico Addiechi, and UPL’s Global CEO, Jai Shroff, as they discuss the global sustainability transformations they’re working towards.

Guests

• Federico Addiechi, Head of Sustainability, FIFA 

Federico Addiechi is responsible for sustainability and diversity at FIFA and reports to the Secretary General. At FIFA, he has initiated and implemented programmes to address sustainability issues such as climate protection, waste management, and green stadiums, through measures such as integrating sustainability standards, policies, and reporting frameworks into FIFA’s management system. 

• Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL

Jai Shroff is the Group CEO of UPL Limited. He is a well-recognised global leader in the Chemical & Agri-Inputs industry with over 30 years experience in India and internationally. At UPL, Jai has transformed the company into a truly global organisation, providing smart, affordable and sustainable inputs to the global farming community, with a strong focus on innovation, research and excellence - positioning agriculture to Reimagine Sustainability.

Show notes

• FIFA – FIFA President leads Green Card call for sustainable action
• UPL – Advancing agriculture for a sustainable world
• Inside World Football - FIFA grows World Cup 2022 sponsors with UPL deal
• European Seed - UPL Launches ‘Gigaton Carbon Goal’ In Europe
• Krishak Jagat - UPL partners with FIFA for the U-17 Women’s World Cup in India

Series overview:

The UPL Reimagining Sustainability podcast series focuses on the possibilities for climate-positive, sustainable agriculture. Through the insight and experience of UPL, farmers on the ground, and international stakeholders, we discuss how agriculture is the one industry with the ability to make a truly positive impact on sustainability for the environment, the global food chain and local communities.

Episode 2: Hero Farmers

About

Farmers are the heroes the world needs today. They’re working to protect the environment, feed a growing global population, and nurture their own families and communities. We hear from two farmers from South America about incorporating sustainable agricultural practices and the benefit to them, their communities and our planet.

Guests:

Siany Villalobos, GRUPO VISA, Costa Rica, runs a family-owned business that has been growing pineapples, cassava, and rambutan for 33 years, exporting to 23 countries around the world. She is active in her community to ensure that people and the planet are cared for. 

Eduardo Holzapfel, Copefrut SA, Chile, and his team grows cherries, apples, kiwis, blueberries and plums to ensure high quality, high standards, and low environmental impact. Their fruit is exported to 85 countries around the world.

Show notes

•  UPL – Farmers: The heroes we need for a sustainable future
•  United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) - Small family farmers produce a third of the world’s food
•  The World Bank – Climate Smart Agriculture
•  World Wildlife Fund – Sustainable Agriculture