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This episode is all about reducing the Nitrogen footprint of wheat. Wheat is the world’s largest ‘crop’ consumer of nitrogen-based fertilizer, while providing affordable calories to billions of resource-poor people and ca. 20% of globally consumed protein. Victor Kommerell is the CropSustaiN Mission Director of the BNI (Biological Nitrification Inhibition) wheat initiative launched by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and CIMMYT. The initiative aims to develop new wheat varieties capable of reducing agriculture’s nitrogen footprint. In this enjobyable episode, hear from Victor not only about this ambitious new research initiative, but also about his very unsusual career path and his take on sabbaticals.

More:

https://www.cimmyt.org/projects/cropsustain-bni-wheat-mission/
https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/news/new-innovative-crops-could-significantly-reduce-agricultures-climate-change-impact-and-environmental-footprint/
https://www.cimmyt.org/news/new-innovative-crops-could-significantly-reduce-agricultures-climate-change-impact-and-environmental-footprint/
https://www.lehmanns.de/shop/reisen/14888833-9783842306974-die-wandlungsreise

 

Victor Kommerell is the CropSustaiN Mission Director of the $21M/4 year BNI wheat initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. He was program manager of the CGIAR Research Programs on Maize (MAIZE; 2017-2021) and Wheat (WHEAT; 2012-2021). He previously worked as a consultant to the CGIAR on strategy, human resources and project management, which included facilitation of a 2020 sustainability plan for the 10 CGIAR gene banks. Prior to working with the CGIAR, Victor worked with the Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and led a change management program at NATO HQ, after having worked for Perot Systems (people change management) and the Leipzig Trade Fair (b-to-b marketing).