Corteva leads SA’s farmers with seed treatments and crop protection in 2026

SOUTH AFRICA – Corteva Agriscience, a global agriculture company focused on seeds and crop protection, is supporting South African farmers in 2026 through seed treatments and crop protection products that safeguard yields.

Its Centre for Seed Applied Technologies in Rosslyn develops seed-applied biologicals and chemical treatments, combined with insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and nitrogen stabilisers. Digital tools further enhance farm performance through crop modelling, decision-making platforms, and precision guidance.

Corteva combines science-driven innovation with practical solutions to help farmers maintain productivity. Its climate-resilient seeds and precision breeding produce high-yield varieties that tolerate drought, heat, and pests. Seed treatments and crop protection, supported by digital guidance, safeguard crops, optimise inputs, and improve efficiency.

“We continue our commitment to protect the sustainability and profitability of South African farmers and to ensure South African agriculture remains competitive on the global stage,” a Corteva spokesperson said. Programs such as SoilSistas also train women-led farms to adopt sustainable practices and improve business outcomes.

Rising input costs for seeds, fertilisers, and crop protection, combined with limited access to credit, make these tools essential for farmers to remain productive and competitive in international markets. Corteva’s support helps them navigate both financial pressures and climate uncertainties.

Climate shocks add pressure

The challenge of protecting yields has been compounded by extreme weather. Heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga has slowed citrus harvesting, leaving orchards waterlogged and roads impassable. Growers in Maruleng, Ba Phalaborwa, Greater Tzaneen, Greater Letaba, Nkomazi, Mbombela, and Bushbuckridge struggle to access fields and transport produce.

“In many areas, the floods are already exceeding the 100 year flood line, and small rivulets changed into rivers spanning 50 meters in the blink of an eye,” said Deidre Carter, chief executive of Agri Limpopo.

Pieter Vorster, director of Mahela Group, added, “Growers cannot spray against citrus black spot because machinery cannot move through soaked fields. Pressure on irrigation dam walls has increased as soil remains saturated.”

Authorities declared a national disaster on January 18 after months of extreme weather, reporting 38 deaths across Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The government coordinates recovery while farmers support affected communities.

Carter warned, “Dams that collapse present additional risk in areas already flooded. If we know of these possibilities ahead of time, we will be able to evacuate people and animals at risk.”

By combining seed treatments, crop protection, and digital guidance, Corteva is helping farmers safeguard yields, improve efficiency, and sustain livelihoods, even as financial pressures and climate shocks test the resilience of South African agriculture.

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