Like in so many other industries, globalisation is impacting and changing agriculture. International markets present enormous growth opportunities in the coming decade in this industry for companies such as DuPont. While we see great potential for increasing global agricultural productivity, with technological innovation, international collaboration, and agricultural modernisation in developing countries in particular, navigating the different legal systems and markets to maximise the potential is not always obvious. In a major agricultural market like China, our AG and Nutrition business commits to the improvement of local agricultural productivity, professionalism and modernisation of local agriculture and food security for the entire country. Our commitment, nevertheless, presupposes an understanding and ability to work within China's legal and regulatory landscape. Starting with compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we conduct business and serve customers. The same discipline applies everywhere globally where we operate business as the DuPont company.

The Agricultural Law Global Guide provides an overview of agriculture laws and policies in key jurisdictions worldwide, and compares these countries on different aspects of agricultural law and practice areas. As such, I consider it a valuable guide for investors and businesses who would like to understand and navigate the agricultural laws and policies of these countries.

After working and living in China for the past five years, I am confident that China's agricultural and rural reforms will progress and improve. Today, the Chinese government considers the "rule of law" foundational to developing the rural China agriculture sector. Rural social, legal and environmental issues will be further regulated in the upcoming years. Regulators in other parts of the world will have to create the same momentum for change to ensure alignment across systems. I believe that the readers of this guide will find the information and perspectives helpful in operating in China under the conditions called the "new normal", as well as in other parts of Asia and the world.