In May 2023, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation launched a program to provide winter oilseed rape to small Ukrainian farms in the regions most affected by Russia's full-scale invasion. The program's partner in Ukraine is Corteva Agriscience, which provides access to Pioneer seeds. Buffett is a long-time no-tiller and well-known proponent of worldwide education about no-till.

According to the 11th annual Global Food Security Index (GFSI) report that assesses the state of the food systems in 113 countries, the war has significantly affected global food security. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Corteva Agriscience focus their efforts on addressing this global problem, including supporting Ukrainian farmers with seeds in extremely resource-constrained field conditions.

Farmers located in the certain regions affected by Russia's invasion and whose cultivated area is less than 200 hectares (or about 500 acres), under winter oilseeds rape can participate in the program. Farmers who order at least 5 units of Pioneer seed will be eligible to receive an equal number of additional Pioneer seed units for a symbolic price of 1 UAH (.03 USD) without tax added. To apply for participation, farmers should contact the Corteva Agriscience sales representative in their region.

 "Ukraine plays a critical role in the world's food supply, but Russia's invasion has left many Ukrainian farmers, and particularly those with smaller farms, unable to access the inputs they need to plant their crops," says Howard G. Buffett, the foundation's chairman and CEO. "We are pleased to partner with Corteva Agriscience to help farmers access this much needed seed supply and in return, help mitigate the current global food security crisis exacerbated by Russia's war on Ukraine."

"Corteva Agriscience has been working side by side with Ukrainian farmers for many years, knows the challenges they face, and works to assist them in overcoming those challenges," Kharin says. "The company remains in support of Ukraine and provides comprehensive assistance to communities so they can fully restore their farming operations. That is why we welcome the initiative of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and consider it an honor to participate in this program to provide farmers with our advanced seed of Pioneer brand."

Buffett is the featured speaker of a moderated discussion at the 2024 National No-Tillage Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., where he will further discuss his experiences with leading farming efforts around the world. 

The No-Till Passport series is brought to you by Martin Industries.

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Since 1991, Martin Industries has designed, manufactured and sold leading agriculture equipment across the U.S. and Canada. Known for Martin-Till planter attachments, the company has expanded to include a five-step planting system, closing wheel systems, twisted drag chains, fertilizer openers and more in their lineup. Their durable and reliable planter attachments are making it possible for more and more farmers to plant into higher levels of residue.

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