3 Seeding the green future Although the green transition is in full swing in many of our markets, new and efficient solutions are required if our ambitious climate goals are to be met. Grass, sugar beets and leguminous plants are among the most sustainable crops and, compared with alternative crops, they contribute several climate benefits. More grass and sugar beet fields will result in greener agriculture, and more grass in urban and recreational areas will help to curb the consequences of climate changes such as increased rainfall. At DLF, we continue to target our research and development activities to create opportunities for our customers to pioneer the green transition. The green agenda strategy is in place At the beginning of the financial year, DLF started working on new strategy process. It was a good occasion to revisit our strategic direction and the benchmarks and objectives that DLF will pursue over the next five years. Whereas the previous strategy period focused on global growth and expansion, the focal point for this strategy period will be on further value creation and profitable growth, and on achieving the synergies with which our global presence presents us. As an integrated part of the strategy process, we have worked determinedly with the green agenda across our business units. There are many benefits for the climate associated with growing far more sugar beets and grass, for instance. The growing season for sugar beet is long, and the root growth is vast. That means reduced leaching of nutrients. The same applies to grass, which is why it binds more CO2 than any other agricultural crop. By growing a perennial crop such as grass, nitrogen leaching can be reduced, while achieving a positive effect on biodiversity. Similar benefits may also be achieved by increasing the turf areas in cities, recreational areas and private gardens. Innovative plant breeding is crucial We must safeguard the earth’s resources, and we must secure sustainable products. The best method is by concentrating our efforts in a direction where we can earnestly make a beneficial difference to the climate and environment. Many of our products have exceptionally positive climate and environmental profiles, including plantain, sugar beet, grass and clover. Our plant breeding is revealing great potential for further improving the traits of these profiles. Our industry-leading plant breeding gives DLF unique opportunities to target our research activities at strengthening our customers’ green transition initiatives. We will and we must apply this research to secure new resource-efficient varieties for the global seed market. Yours faithfully, Truels Damsgaard, CEO
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