From Lab to Field: 5 Crop Science Industry Actions to Support the American Farmer This Independence Day

American farmers are facing unprecedented challenges—from volatile weather patterns and rising input costs to labor shortages and global market pressures. In this environment, the crop science industry has a critical role to play in supporting the productivity of U.S. agriculture. By accelerating innovation and strengthening partnerships, we can equip United States farmers to remain competitive, resilient and successful. 

Here are five actions the crop science industry can take now to make a meaningful and lasting impact. 

1. Accelerate Access and Adoption of Precision Agriculture 

Precision agriculture is transforming how farmers manage their fields, but adoption remains uneven. High upfront costs, limited access to training, and uncertainty about ROI are common barriers.  

The crop science industry can lead the charge by offering  

• Scalable, intuitive technologies 
• Education and implementation support
• Optimized products for precision delivery

Precision tools—such as GPS-guided equipment, drone surveillance, and variable-rate application systems—enable farmers to apply inputs like water, fertilizer, and pesticides exactly where and when they’re needed. This not only boosts yields but also reduces environmental impact. Agrochemical companies play a key role by developing formulations optimized for precision delivery, such as microencapsulated pesticides and slow-release fertilizers. 

Battelle supports this shift by advancing precision application technologies that make these tools more accessible and impactful. Our work empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions that improve both profitability and sustainability.

2. Develop Efficient Fertilizer Formulations and Biological Solutions 

Fertilizer innovation is essential for improving soil health and crop productivity. However, developing new formulations that meet regulatory standards and environmental goals is no small feat. Crop science companies must continue investing in R&D to create fertilizers that are both effective and sustainable. 

The future of fertilizers lies in: 

• Microbial and biological formulations
• Slow–release technologies
• Inputs aligned with precision agricultural practices

Efficient formulations reduce nutrient runoff, enhance microbial activity in soil, and increase nutrient uptake by plants. Battelle’s scientists are working with industry partners to develop next-generation fertilizers that support long-term soil vitality and food security. Our work includes evaluating microbial efficacy, optimizing formulation stability, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Biological formulations are also reshaping how we approach crop protection and nutrition. The rise of biopesticides—including living microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as microbial metabolites, semiochemicals, plant extracts, and other natural substances—is emerging as a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides. These solutions enhance plant resilience, reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and align with sustainability goals. They can also be integrated with precision agriculture and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to support more resilient and sustainable farming systems.

Battelle is actively innovating and developing biological formulations, focusing on stability, efficacy, and compatibility with conventional and precision agriculture systems.

3. Turn Agricultural Data into Smart Farm Decisions

Farms are generating more data than ever from soil sensors and satellite imagery to yield maps and weather forecasts. But many farmers lack the tools to turn that data into actionable strategies. 

Crop Science companies can close the gap by delivering: 

• Integrated digital platforms
• Predictive modeling and risk tools 
• Field–level insights powered by advanced analytics.

Accessing digital platforms like the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), managed by Battelle, provides critical ecological and agricultural data that inform smarter farming decisions.  These insights help farmers optimize planting schedules, soil health, irrigation, and pest control strategies. 

Advanced analytics also support predictive modeling, allowing farmers to anticipate disease outbreaks, forecast yields, and manage risk more effectively. By integrating these tools into everyday operations, the industry can help farmers make more informed, confident decisions. 

4. Invest in Flood and Drought-Resistant Crop Varietals 

Extreme weather conditions are testing the limits of today's crop genetics. Floods, droughts, and temperature swings are directly impacting yields and food supply stability.  

Developing stress-resilient varietals is critical for the long-term health of U.S. agriculture. Leading agriculture companies are already investing in:  

• Breeding programs tailored to variable growing conditions  
• Genetic marker identification  
• Real-world stress testing

Agrochemical companies are already making strides in breeding crops that can withstand floods, droughts, and temperature extremes. These efforts require deep expertise in genetics, plant physiology, and environmental modeling. Battelle contributes to this effort through its expertise in crop protection technology, helping to develop varietals that thrive under stress and safeguard the food supply. 

Our work includes evaluating varietal performance under simulated stress conditions, identifying genetic markers for resilience, and supporting regulatory submissions. These innovations help farmers maintain productivity even in the face of environmental volatility. 

5. Commit to Continuous R&D Investment 

Innovation is the engine of modern agriculture, from new active ingredients and biological controls to advanced delivery systems, the need for continuous research and development (R&D) has never been more urgent. 

Crop Science leaders must:

• Support early-stage discovery and testing 
• Partner across academia, startups and industry 
• Navigate regulatory processes with speed and confidence 

Battelle’s collaborative approach—partnering with research institutions, startups, and industry leaders—accelerates the development of new solutions. Our work in crop protection, pest management, seed treatment and disease control is helping to bring safer, more effective products to market faster. 

We also support our partners with regulatory strategy, environmental fate studies, residue and metabolism studies, advanced wind tunnel and volatility testing, and formulation optimization. This end-to-end support ensures that promising ideas become real-world solutions that benefit farmers and consumers alike. 

Turning Innovation into Impact: A Collective Mandate for the Crop Science Industry 

The future of American agriculture hinges on our ability to act decisively and collaboratively. Farmers are navigating a landscape shaped by environmental volatility, economic uncertainty, and evolving consumer demands. In this environment, the crop science industry has both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead. 

By advancing precision agriculture, improving fertilizer efficiency, expanding the use of biological solutions, leveraging data analytics, developing resilient crop varietals, and investing in continuous R&D, we can deliver real, measurable value to farmers. These aren’t just technical solutions—they’re strategic imperatives that will define the resilience and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture for decades to come. 

At Battelle, we are deeply committed to this mission. Our science-first approach, combined with strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, enables us to accelerate innovation and bring practical solutions to market. From precision application technologies to weather-resilient crop development, we’re helping our partners turn bold ideas into field-ready impact. 

But we can’t do it alone. We call on industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and growers to join us in this effort. Together, we can build a more sustainable, productive, and secure agricultural future—one that honors the hard work of American farmers and ensures the vitality of our food systems for generations to come. 

Let’s move forward—together—to support the people who feed the world.