Corteva Agriscience
Multinational Agriculture Company with Global Impact
Corteva is an Indianapolis-based chemical and seed firm that makes a concerted effort to combat food insecurity and create a sustainable future for people around the world.
The origin of Corteva began decades ago in 1989, when the Dow Chemical Company partnered with Eli Lilly to invest in agricultural research and innovation. After a move, a buyout and a merger, their shared company DowElanco eventually became DowDuPont. By 2019, their agricultural division was consolidated into its own separate operation—and Corteva Agriscience was born.
Today, Corteva is a prominent agricultural chemical and seed firm dedicated to pioneering more sustainable, climate-positive agriculture solutions. “Climate-positive farming” is a revolutionary strategy designed to strengthen agricultural systems against the effects of extreme weather and rising pest problems, while still protecting the natural environment. This initiative is at the heart of Corteva’s mission, as they innovate new ways to improve biodiversity, restore natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
That work starts right here in Indianapolis, where Corteva maintains a booming agriculture research hub and their official global headquarters. In 2014, Corteva launched the “Harvest for Hunger” garden to give back to the local community. This volunteer-run garden helps combat food insecurity by growing fresh fruits and vegetables for food banks across the state. Since its inception, Corteva has donated over 75,000 pounds of produce to nearby food pantries, marking a tremendous impact on local sustainability.
“Climate is a big, global issue, but the impacts and the drivers are very locally focused,” said Aly Wells, the Biodiversity Program Lead at Corteva Agriscience. “With Corteva, our customers are farmers. We deliver innovations on a farm-level—based on the field where that farmer works, so the solutions we provide are going to be different all around the globe.”
Corteva is a truly global company with operations in 73 nations and a universal commitment to international philanthropy. Just this year, Corteva was an active supporter during the devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake. They dedicated over $500,000 in emergency funds to help towns and families in need, standing side-by-side with impacted farmers as they promised ongoing humanitarian aid.
Corteva has also made a commitment to improving the international food supply chain in an effort to enhance food security. Global food supplies have been severely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War, which has decreased Ukraine’s usual agricultural output up to 40%. That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development has partnered with Corteva Agriscience to expand access to modern crop protection and agronomic resources. Over the next five years,
Corteva will also increase hybrid seed production in Ukraine to help encourage lucrative, high-yield harvests in the region.
Corteva has similarly pledged to provide seeds to countries in Africa and the Middle East, as they invest in a more sustainable future. “Not only does this investment showcase our commitment to regional agriculture and ongoing research and development,” said Venkata Subbarao Kolli, President of Africa & Middle East at Corteva Agriscience, “but it also demonstrates our ambition to effectively utilize cutting-edge technology to help increase yields, improve livelihoods and ensure sustained food security.”
This emphasis on global citizenship also extends to globalization efforts here in Indianapolis. Corteva serves as The International Center’s principal representative—with Priscila Vansetti Machado, Vice-President of Corteva, on the board. Their support at home and abroad demonstrates Corteva’s dedication to elevating Indianapolis on the global stage, while making the world a better place for future generations.
