CALL FOR ENTRIES! Bayer, PMCP launch Regenerative Initiative Awards 2024 to recognize innovators with sustainable crop protection solutions

Rising pressure on ecosystems, such as emergence of new pests and changing climate, demands agriculture to transform to produce more while using resources more efficiently. Recognizing the power of collaboration to solve the challenges confronting farmers, Bayer Crop Science and Pest Management Council of the Philippines (PMCP) launch the Bayer Regenerative Initiative Awards 2024, which will put a spotlight on innovators with novel pest management solutions that help secure farmers’ harvests while helping the planet thrive. 

The Awards coincide with the 56th Anniversary and Annual Scientific Conference of PMCP happening this year from June 25 – 28 in Boracay, with the theme “Cultivating Resilience: Harnessing Innovative Technologies for Sustainable Pest Management in a Changing Climate.” 

“Bayer’s vision for the future of farming is regenerative. This vision believes that regenerative practices create agricultural systems that help farmers adapt to climate change and produce more yields, while restoring natural ecosystems. Through the Awards, we recognize partners, farmers and stakeholders who share and contribute to making this bold vision a reality,” said Cyrus Isles, Head of Public Affairs for Bayer’s Crop Science division.  

Who can participate? 

The Regenerative Initiative Awards is open to any individual, group, or organization in the Philippines, either from the private or public sector, sector, who has clearly delivered a proven solution on pest management for protecting crops, while reducing environmental impact (see more details in the requirements). 

What are the requirements?

Entering the Awards is free. Interested parties are requested to download and fill out the Nomination Form alongside other requirements listed below, and submit them to pmcpbayer.sustainabilityaward@gmail.com until May 31, 2024:

1. 75-100-word Introduction (see Nomination Form): Includes:
a.) name of entering individual, group, organization
b.) short profile, and
c.) e-mail address/es and contact number/s.

2. 700 – 900-word Main Entry (see Nomination Form): Should include the title and a short description/summary of the award submission.
The Main Entry should describe the solution (‘enabler’), which can be any of the following or a combination thereof:
a. Product (e.g. new chemical formulation, new corn variety, etc.)
b. Practice (e.g. direct seeding of rice, crop rotation, carbon farming, etc.)
c. System (e.g. a combination of digital, new corn variety, carbon farming, breeding, etc.)
The Main Entry must then describe how any of the above solution or a combination thereof resulted in: a.) managing pests for crops b.) improving farmer productivity and/or social and economic well-being of farmers and communities (calculated, for example, through rise of income, better yield etc.), while c.) delivering any or a combination thereof of the following regenerative outcomes:
d. Improved soil health
e. Preservation and conservation of biodiversity
f. Conservation of water
g. Mitigation of climate change or reduced carbon emissions

3. 2-3 Supporting Documents: If any, include documentations and photos showing supporting evidence of the project accomplishments and proven impact to promote regenerative agriculture. Accomplishments should have been completed within 2021-2023.

4. If any, letter/s of recommendation or endorsement form the nominee’s network/s.

What are the selection criteria?

1. Impact (50%): Shows measurable impact (either quantifiable or qualifiable) in aspects of pest control, improvement of farmer’s income, and health of the environment.

2. Replicability (30%): Potential of the accomplishment to be replicated or adopted widely to generate multiplier effect to farmers and agriculture stakeholders.

3. Longevity (20%): Potential of the accomplishment to deliver a sustained impact and positive outcome beyond assigned timeframe.

What is the expected reward? 

There will be one (1) awardee who will receive PHP 50,000.00* and an award plaque. The awardee may also have the chance to show the impact of its submission by replicating it in one of Bayer’s Learning Centers, which provide key stakeholders across the country with advanced information regarding sustainable farming practices.

* The winning individual or a representative of the winning group (in case of an organization) is invited to receive the award in person during the PMCP Awarding in Boracay. Cash award is exclusive of the required personal logistics to receive the award. 

What are the key dates to remember?

1. May 31, 2024 – deadline for submitting entries

2. June 2024 – evaluation and deliberation of entries

3. June 28, 2024 – announcement of winner


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In the heart of North Cotabato, Jean Jose Somera spent her childhood immersed in their small farming community. Watching her father till their one-hectare rice farm, she realized that there are a host of problems within the agri-sector that needed to be addressed. In highschool, she learned that science could be the answer.

The Philippines topped the World Risk Report with a 46.82 world risk index as a country prone to natural calamities due to climate change. The Department of Science and Technology reports that an average of 20 storms and typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility each year, with about 8 or 9 of them crossing the Philippines, causing loss of lives and destruction to property and livelihoods. 

The Southeast Asian Regional for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) together with Bayer Crop Science in the Philippines held the “20 Years and Onward: Advancing the Future of Philippine Yellow Corn” Forum, marking the two decades of use of Bt corn, or more locally known as yellow corn, after its first commercial planting in 2003. The event was held on 8 February 2024 at the Makati Diamond Residences and online via Zoom. 

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