DLF Launches New Corporate Purpose and Strategy
DLF has just launched a new corporate purpose and a new group strategy. Both initiatives mark an important step in DLF's development as a global seed company and emphasize increased interaction with the outside world, customer focus, corporate culture, operational optimization, and the development of employees and the organization.
“DLF is a forward-looking global company with operations on five continents and employees in 22 countries. We conduct research, produce, and sell seeds worldwide. That comes with responsibility. With our new purpose and strategy, we are creating a shared strategic focus. We will be stronger, respond faster, and take the lead in meeting the demands of the future – from customers, the climate, and the market,” says Søren Halbye, CEO of DLF.
DLF’s new purpose is: “We enrich land, life and people through seeds and science.” This statement expresses the impact we strive to make for our customers, end-users, owners and the broader society.
The new strategic plan, titled “Connecting to Grow”, is built on three key focus areas.
People and Culture as a driving force
“We believe that long-term success is created by people. That’s why we are making targeted investments in a shared global culture where clear values and continuous development go hand in hand – both professionally and personally,” says Søren Halbye.
The new purpose, together with DLF’s four global values, will form the foundation of a strong, shared culture and engagement across the organization. It aims to strengthen the organisation, employee development, and internal cohesion. Finally, it will enhance the capacity to continue developing DLF as a business and to fulfill our societal responsibilities.
Strengthened market leadership
DLF is strengthening its position as a global market leader by actively developing close contact with customers and end users - and by clearly highlighting the value that plant breeding adds. The company takes pride in understanding and meeting the needs of end users.
“We will strengthen our focus on documenting value for both customers and end users. When we understand their challenges, we can offer solutions that ensure our shared value creation,” says Søren Halbye.
Efficient and standardised structures as a foundation
Another central focus of the strategy is to make DLF more scalable and efficient by streamlining structures and processes across the group. The goal is clear: to free up resources and reduce dependence on individual knowledge.
“Our complexity is a natural consequence of an ambitious growth journey with the acquisition of companies. We are now well underway in simplifying, modernising and standardising our business – so that we are stronger and more agile to take the next step on the growth journey,” explains Søren Halbye.
Clear direction with an eye on the future
With the strategy, DLF has set three overall objectives: To secure seeds as a high-value crop, invest in competitiveness and build a robust financial preparedness.
The strategic plan runs until 2028, but the focus is also set further ahead. New species, traits and solutions will be prioritised, not least with a focus on climate change and changing consumer needs.
“Connecting to Grow is essentially about joining forces – internally and externally – to make us even stronger as a global seed company. We will grow, and we will do it wisely, sustainably and together,” concludes Søren Halbye.