Introduction
Agriculture is more relevant than ever, playing a central role in efforts to mitigate climate change, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development. UPL, a global company with a strong presence in Mexico, tackles this challenge through technological and biological solutions that transform the cultivation, protection, and distribution of food.
UPL’s Global Innovation and Sustainability
With a portfolio that provides access to 90% of the global food basket, UPL is recognized as a global reference in agricultural innovation. Their mission extends beyond product development, aiming to transform agriculture into a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-challenge-ready activity.
“Resilience is key when discussing climate and change. Whether it’s intense rain or a heatwave, these events exert significant pressure on productivity. That’s why, through our products and services, we constantly seek tools to strengthen that resilience in the field,” stated Mike Frank, CEO of UPL’s Global Crop Protection Business, in an interview with El Economista.
Reimagining Agricultural Sustainability
Sustainability is a guiding principle in UPL’s global operations. Instead of viewing it as a static concept, UPL proposes “reimagining agricultural sustainability,” focusing on technologies and solutions that help farmers adapt to increasingly extreme conditions.
“We truly focus on helping farmers become more resilient. Sometimes the solutions are traditional tools, like plant protection products that eliminate diseases, pests, or weeds. But increasingly, we also offer tools that help plants thrive under stress conditions. We refer to our biological solutions, or NPP, which are part of our natural crop protection business. This is a growing part of our business, and farmers who use these tools find their gains are more consistent,” explained Frank.
Climate Risk Management and Insurance
UPL has introduced climate insurance mechanisms, available in some countries, to protect farmers from losses caused by extreme weather events.
Saltillo: A Hub for Global Innovation
One of the key pillars for developing these solutions is Mexico. In Saltillo, northern Mexico, UPL has established the NPP Research Center, which plays a crucial role in their global network of innovation and drives their biosolutions agenda.
“In northern Mexico, we have a research and development (R&D) center, as well as three manufacturing plants, where we work on developing tools and technologies that can directly benefit farmers,” said Frank. “At UPL, we measure innovation through what we call the ‘innovation rate,’ which is the percentage of products sold by us over the past five years. Currently, around 15% of our portfolio consists of new products, so the innovation rate is 15%.”
Based on the work being done in the state and other parts of the world, Frank anticipates that in the next three to five years, the innovation rate will be close to 30%.
Responsible Production and Farmer Support
UPL not only works on providing sustainable solutions but also has implemented responsible production processes internally. According to Frank, their facilities primarily use renewable energy, optimize water usage, and minimize environmental impact, positioning themselves within the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as a leading company in global sustainability protection.
“Product safety and proper field use are also central themes for the company. UPL has implemented training programs for farmers and distributors across Latin America.”
Mexico: A Strategic Partner
UPL acknowledges Mexico’s importance as an agricultural powerhouse and a key country in their global strategy. “Mexico is a significant agricultural nation, not only for domestic consumption but also for exports. We believe agriculture is the most important industry in the world because it helps feed the planet,” emphasized Frank.
However, the executive also pointed out some regulatory challenges, particularly for the advancement of biological products. Although Mexico has a solid framework, the approval process still presents obstacles.
A Message from UPL’s Global Leadership
“Often, people, especially in urban centers, don’t think about agriculture. Many young people believe food products come from local markets. They don’t realize that at the end of the day, there’s a group of farmers working hard to produce that food. It’s important that farmers support each other to continue driving the economic engine and food security for Mexico and, indeed, for the world,” said Frank.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is UPL’s mission in agriculture? UPL aims to transform agriculture into a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-challenge-ready activity.
- How does UPL promote sustainability? UPL reimagines agricultural sustainability by focusing on technologies and solutions that help farmers adapt to extreme conditions.
- What climate risk management tools does UPL offer? UPL has introduced climate insurance mechanisms to protect farmers from losses caused by extreme weather events.
- What is the significance of UPL’s NPP Research Center in Saltillo? The center is a crucial part of UPL’s global innovation network, driving their biosolutions agenda and developing tools that directly benefit farmers.
- How does UPL measure innovation? UPL measures innovation through the ‘innovation rate,’ which is the percentage of new products sold over the past five years.
- What are UPL’s responsible production processes? UPL prioritizes renewable energy, water optimization, and minimized environmental impact in their production processes.
- What support does UPL provide to farmers? UPL offers training programs for farmers and distributors across Latin America, focusing on safe product usage.
- Why is Mexico important to UPL? Mexico is a significant agricultural nation for both domestic consumption and exports, making it a key partner in UPL’s global strategy.
- What regulatory challenges does UPL face in Mexico? Despite a solid framework, the approval process for biological products in Mexico still presents obstacles.
