Innovations Need Bundling to Cross the Valley of Death

One of the most pressing challenges identified was the persistent gap between research and on-farm adoption—often referred to as the “valley of death.” The consensus was clear: no single technology, no matter how promising, can succeed on its own. For innovations to scale, they must be delivered as part of integrated bundles that combine technologies with enabling services such as finance, extension, and market access. 

Examples from Madagascar’s sorghum sector to U.S. precision agriculture illustrated that climate-smart seeds, for instance, only gain traction when paired with insurance products, advisory services, and accessible markets. Bundling, not standalone solutions, unlocks real impact. 

Sustainability and Productivity: Not a Trade-Off 

The workshop also challenged the conventional belief that sustainability comes at the expense of productivity. Case studies demonstrated that innovations, when designed well, can deliver both. A standout example was the use of digital twins—real-time simulations of farms that integrate soil, crop, and climate data to guide site-specific management decisions. These tools allow farmers to identify high-yield areas and zones for “precision conservation,” enhancing both productivity and environmental outcomes. 

Fit-for-Purpose Policy

Even the best innovations falter without the right policy environment. A key message from the workshop was the need for policies that are not only well-designed but also responsive, flexible, and context-specific. 

Rigid subsidy structures, outdated regulatory frameworks, and fragmented governance were repeatedly cited as barriers to progress. In contrast, successful examples demonstrated the value of trust-building, inclusive policymaking, and cross-sector collaboration. Policy must evolve with innovation—and implementation should be prioritized as highly as design. 

The workshop’s findings directly address the productivity and sustainability agenda in three ways: 

Measurement matters: There’s a clear need for robust metrics that capture both productivity and sustainability. As one participant cautioned, we must not let perfection be the enemy of good—multiple, validated measurement tools should guide progress, rather than reliance on a single indicator. 

Regulatory coherence is essential: Innovation cannot scale in isolation. Local breakthroughs must navigate complex regulatory systems—both domestic and international—to succeed globally. Trade clearance and harmonized standards were flagged as critical enablers. 

Public-private collaboration: Bridging research and practice demands collaborative platforms. The OECD, through the CRP, TFP Network, and related efforts, is well-placed to support these dialogues and partnerships. 

What’s Next? Turning Insight into Action

The workshop concluded with several strategic recommendations: 

Elevate evidence-sharing on bundled innovations through networks like the OECD TFPN and GAP Initiative. 

Align incentives via smarter policy tools, including results-based financing and subsidy reform, to drive adoption of sustainable technologies. 

Invest in data infrastructure, particularly digital platforms and digital twin tools, to inform both farmer decision-making and evidence-based policymaking. 

Tools in Hand, Action Needed 

As Tom Thompson, associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, director of CALS Global, and Executive Editor of the GAP Report, closed the workshop, he left participants with a powerful message: “We have the tools and knowledge—we just need to put them together in the field.” The agricultural productivity slowdown is not destiny. With coordinated efforts across innovation, policy, and practice, transformation is possible—and urgently needed. The OECD TFPN stands ready to help translate these insights into meaningful, measurable action.