Why do farmers and growers need new plant varieties?

New varieties of plants with features such as improved yield, high quality and resistance to plant pests and diseases are a key element in increasing productivity and product quality in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, whilst minimizing the pressure on the natural environment. Many inputs need to be combined with such varieties in order to deploy their full potential. The tremendous progress in agricultural productivity in various parts of the world is largely based on improved varieties.