Globally 75 percent of farmers are already impacted by climate change or are worried about its impacts, and 71 percent say reduced yields are a major concern. Six out of 10 have already experienced significant revenue loss due to abnormal weather events recently.

These are among the key findings of the 2024 Global Farmer Voice survey conducted by global market research firm Kynetec on behalf of German pharmaceutical and biotechnology multinational Bayer. Spanning eight countries — China, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine and the U.S. — the survey interviewed over 2,000 farmers between June and July. 

The respondents included approximately 300 Chinese farmers.

The survey found farmers ready to choose innovation to find solutions to agricultural problems: 75 percent are open to implementing new technologies to better cope with climate change. The desire for better yields, resilient farms, and protected livelihoods is driving the adoption of more regenerative and technological approaches to farming.

The Chinese farmers surveyed identified "price/income volatility" (57 percent), "fertilizer costs" (57 percent), and "increased threat of crop damage from pests, disease or resistance issues" as the top three challenges. Additionally, they also want "access to seeds and traits designed to better cope with extreme weather" (36 percent), calling for deep engagement by the scientific research and industry ends to provide more support.

Chinese farmers show a preference for regenerative agricultural practices that are tied to soil health. In terms of digital technology, 49 percent of them have already integrated digital technology into their farming practices, with another 27 percent planning to expand their use of digital technology in future.

"When you look at the survey, it is evident that innovation is a crucial factor. Farmers are very interested in why we talk about climate change in cities. Climate change is affecting farmers' livelihoods, and this impact is different from the frequent rainfall I experience at my home in St. Louis," said Rodrigo Santos, member of Bayer's management board and president of the crop science division.

"Therefore, for farmers around the globe, innovation and technology are particularly critical. I'm very excited about the fact that China is now opening the market for biotechnology breeding. We hope to introduce our technology to China, see the approval process and deliver it to the farmers for their use. The farmers will be able to produce more, restore more — restore soil health, restore carbon emissions, or restore carbon in the soil," Santos said.

Faced with long-term challenges such as global food security and climate change, Santos emphasized that collaboration is essential for bolstering farmers' adaptability and innovation. Bayer has extensive partnerships worldwide, including in Brazil, Russia, Africa, and India, where it has introduced direct seeded rice to Indian farmers.

"Collaboration and partnership are central to driving innovation and benefiting smallholder farmers. Globally, large and medium-sized farmers have access to information and technology, while smallholders are facing challenges to not only access to the technology but also access to technical support," Santos said.

Finance is another important element for smallholders to reach a high level of technology and returns. "That's why we have so many global collaborations to provide support to smallholder farmers, they can also be part of the solution for regenerative agriculture," Santos said. "This is only possible by collaboration."