Key Takeaways
- Exclusive Licensing Agreement: Bayer has secured an exclusive license for a new biological insecticide developed by UK-based AlphaBio Control, aiming for a 2028 launch.
- Target Crops: The product targets arable crops such as oilseed rape and cereals, marking a first in the industry.
- Pest Focus: The insecticide is designed to combat coleoptera insects, specifically the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), which severely impacts crops throughout Europe.
- Sustainability Commitment: Bayer plans to integrate this product into a digitally-supported pest management system to promote sustainable agriculture.
- Market Potential: Bayer’s goal is to significantly expand its biological product sales, targeting over 1.5 billion euros by 2035.
Introduction of a New Biocontrol for Arable Crops
Bayer’s Crop Science Division has recently announced a strategic partnership with AlphaBio Control, securing exclusive licensing rights to a new biological insecticide targeted at arable crops like oilseed rape and cereals. Slated for a potential 2028 launch, this development marks a significant addition to Bayer’s portfolio of sustainable crop solutions.
Benoit Hartmann, Head of Biologics at Bayer, highlighted the urgent need for innovative agricultural tools: “Farmers need innovative new solutions as they seek to continue to feed a growing population, overcome the impacts of climate change, and meet enhanced safety and sustainability standards,” Hartmann explained. He further noted that, “Biocontrols are a perfect fit to our approach to scaling regenerative agriculture, and we’re excited to work to bring a new biological crop protection option to farmers that can be used for arable crops.”
Targeting Key Pests
The licensed insecticide focuses on combating pests such as the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), a major concern for farmers across the United Kingdom and Europe. The CSFB leads to ‘shot-holing’ symptoms in young plants, stunting growth and adversely affecting plant health.
Marta Ruiz, General Manager for AlphaBio Control, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to license Bayer exclusive rights to our latest bioinsecticide which will significantly improve the choices available to arable farmers wishing to reduce the environmental impact of food production.”
Economic Viability for Large-Scale Farming
Unlike the biological options commonly reserved for high-value crops, this new product is developed to be economically viable on a large scale for arable crops. By incorporating this bioinsecticide into Bayer’s systems approach, including a digitally-supported integrated pest management system, the company aims to enhance cost efficiencies and broader application possibilities.
Ralf Glaubitz, Head of Global Asset Management for Seed Growth & Biologics at Bayer, commented on the market dynamics: “With increasingly strong demand from farmers and changing consumer preferences, we see major growth potential for biological crop protections like this one,” he stated. “We’re working to outgrow the market and achieve more than 1.5 billion euro in biological sales by 2035.”
Bayer Crop Science Latest News
Launches Pilot of Groundbreaking GenAI System (2024/03/15)
Bayer has launched a pilot expert GenAI system that uses AI to provide agronomic insights. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft and Ernst & Young, the system outperforms existing models in the agricultural sector and delivers expert information within seconds. The system is part of Bayer’s ongoing efforts to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into its digital offerings and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Bayer’s Crop Science Division: A Focal Point for Innovation and Growth (2024/03/05)
Bayer’s Crop Science division is a key player in the company’s future growth strategy. The Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO) model is being implemented to reduce hierarchy and streamline structures, resulting in faster decision-making and enhanced innovation. Despite challenges faced by the division, Bayer is committed to revitalizing it through strategic innovation. The company’s focus extends beyond immediate financial and operational improvements, with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Launches A Specialized Webpage (2024/02/20)
Bayer’s Vegetables sector has launched a new initiative to support tomato growers in managing Tomato brown rugose virus (ToBRFV) challenges. The initiative includes a dedicated webpage and upcoming hybrid tomato varieties with ToBRFV resistance. Bayer’s SHIELD program ensures seed health, and the company invests in research and breeding to prioritize quality traits. These efforts aim to equip growers worldwide with the knowledge and tools to tackle ToBRFV confidently and secure a more resilient future for tomato cultivation.
Discover their webpage here.
Leadership Changes (2024/01/11)
Bayer’s Crop Science Division has recently made significant changes to its Executive Leadership Team to support its commitment to regenerative agriculture. The changes include new appointments for commercial lead, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Product Supply, Chief Information Officer, and Head of Crop Science Communications. These transitions reflect the company’s mission of supporting sustainable development and generating a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Bayer’s Strategic Collaboration With Microsoft (2023/11/13)
Bayer has unveiled updates to its partnership with Microsoft, focusing on data interoperability in agriculture. These updates introduce new data connectors that enable the secure exchange of farm data between Bayer’s Climate FieldView™ and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through Microsoft Azure Data Manager for Agriculture. This development was announced at Agritechnica, the leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, and follows the earlier launch of Bayer AgPowered Services on the platform. The collaboration with Sonata Software aims to provide a one-stop solution for enterprise users of Azure Data Manager to securely connect to critical data sources for farm machinery, reducing investment costs. Additionally, Leaf Agriculture and OneSoil offer solutions for in-season crop identification and remote sensing capabilities. This partnership signifies a significant step toward enhancing data accessibility and connectivity in the agriculture industry, supporting digital farming solutions and sustainability programs.
Bayer Crop Science Division Faces Headwinds in Q3, Company Confirms Full-Year Outlook (2023/11/08)
Bayer’s Crop Science Division had a challenging Q3, with lower earnings due to non-cash impairment losses and a decline in EBITDA. The division is facing a market downturn, and the company is considering structural changes to enhance value creation. Despite setbacks, the division demonstrated resilience in certain areas and remains committed to sustainable agriculture.
Insights from Bayer’s Crop Science Sustainability Progress Report (2023/11/06)
Bayer AG is committed to sustainability in its operations, particularly in crop science. The Crop Science Sustainability Progress Report highlights the strides made by the division towards environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible practices. Bayer invests billions in research and development to reduce the carbon footprint of farming and enhance the sustainability of food production systems. The report is a strategic roadmap for the future and an invitation to stakeholders to take a closer look at the initiatives transforming agriculture. By engaging in partnerships and fostering dialogue, Bayer is contributing to a collective effort towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
DOWNLOAD THE CROP SCIENCE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS REPORT (25 MB)
Bayer Introduces Direct-Seeded Rice System (2023/10/16)
Bayer introduced its direct-seeded rice (DSR) system at the 6th International Rice Congress in the Philippines. The system aims to reduce water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and manual labor costs while increasing crop yield. This initiative aligns with Bayer’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and can potentially transform 75% of total rice fields in India by 2040. The DSR system offers multiple environmental and economic benefits such as reduced water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and manual labor. Bayer plans to bring the DSR system to one million hectares in India by 2030 and extend the DirectAcres program to other rice-growing countries in the Asia Pacific, starting with the Philippines in 2024.
Bayer and Dollar General Team Up to Boost Children’s’ Nutrition (2023/10/12)
Bayer and Dollar General have partnered to provide nutritional support for students and their families. They are offering a 50% discount on fresh produce items priced at $5 or less, as well as a $2 discount on Bayer Flintstones™ Vitamins until November 30, 2023. This strategic partnership comes to light during the National School Lunch Week, emphasizing the importance of healthy school lunches and the role of school nutrition professionals in delivering well-balanced meals. Dollar General aims to combat food insecurity by expanding its fresh fruits and vegetables offering to over 10,000 stores in the coming years.
Bayer Crop Science Expands into the Strawberry Market with Acquisition of NIAB’s Assets (2023/09/21)
Bayer Crop Science Division acquires strawberry assets from UK-based NIAB to meet the growing consumer and retail demand for high-quality strawberries available year-round. The move will offer growers premium genetics combined with crop protection products and digital solutions. By moving to protected cropping, strawberry growers can have more control over their environment, crop management, pests, and disease, resulting in clear benefits in fruit quality, harvest security, and consistency. The acquisition is expected to close by January 1, 2024, further diversifying Bayer’s portfolio.
Bayer’s Bold Investment in Regenerative Agriculture (2023/08/31)
In an era where environmental concerns and the need for sustainable agricultural practices are more pressing than ever, Bayer has taken a significant stride toward revolutionizing the landscape of agriculture. The global life science giant has announced a landmark investment of €220 million in research and development (R&D) at its Monheim site in Germany. This investment marks Bayer’s most significant single investment in its Crop Protection business in Germany since establishing the Monheim campus in 1979, reflecting its unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Bayer Crop Science: Reducing Methane in Rice Cultivation (2023/08/17)
Bayer has partnered with GenZero, Shell Energy India Private Limited, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to tackle methane emissions from rice cultivation. The initiative aims to showcase the scalability of methane emissions reduction through sustainable farming practices. Bayer’s Sustainable Rice Project laid the groundwork by transitioning rice farmers to more sustainable methods. The program’s first-year target is to cover 25,000 hectares of rice cultivation during the Kharif 2023 and Rabi 2023-24 seasons, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction and yield benefits. The initiative emphasizes robust Measurement, Reporting, and verification (MRV) mechanisms, and the involvement of IRRI ensures the scientific accuracy and credibility of the program’s outcomes. The collaborative efforts of these organizations mark a crucial step toward addressing the environmental impact of rice cultivation, with the potential to catalyze similar endeavors worldwide.
Appoints New Head For Canadian Crop Science Division (2023/08/09)
Bayer’s Crop Science division has announced the appointment of Antoine Bernet as the Country Division Head (CDH) for Crop Science Canada, effective August 1, 2023. Bernet, who has been with Bayer for over two decades, will oversee over 550 employees across various offices, research, and production sites in Canada. He also joins Bayer’s North American Leadership Team for Crop Science. Bernet expressed his enthusiasm about leading the esteemed Canadian crop science business and aimed to elevate the organization’s sustainable farming innovations. He succeeds Al Driver, the former CDH, who will retire by the end of the year. The driver has been instrumental in the growth of the Canadian business and has been aiding Bernet in the transition.
Bayer’s Crop Science Division Faces Decline in Sales of Glyphosate-Based Products (2023/08/08)
Bayer’s Crop Science Division experienced a significant drop in sales of glyphosate-based products in Q2 2023. This led to a decline in the company’s outlook for 2023. Sales in the agricultural business plummeted by 18.5 percent to 4.924 billion euros due to reduced volumes and prices of glyphosate-based products. Crop Science sales remained consistent with the previous year, excluding the glyphosate business. However, EBITDA before special items for Crop Science plunged by 58.5 percent to 725 million euros. The company now projects a 2 to 3 percent decrease in sales for 2023, with expectations to generate between 48.5 and 49.5 billion euros.
Bayer Considers Crop Science Spinoff, Reuters Reports (2023/07/11)
Bayer is considering restructuring due to the legal issues surrounding its Roundup weed killer. Separating the crop science unit from Bayer is a challenging task, but some analysts believe the benefits may outweigh the difficulties. The division, which includes genetically modified seeds and crop protection products, contributes to Bayer’s annual revenues. If it operates independently, it might achieve more focused management and strategic flexibility, which could increase profit margins. However, the decision poses potential tax implications and could impact Bayer’s diversified business model.
Targets Regenerative Agriculture, Aiming to Double Market Potential (2023/06/21)
Bayer Crop Science is shifting towards regenerative agriculture to expand into adjacent markets and significantly increase its market share. The company’s innovative approach includes crop fertility, biologicals, biofuels, carbon farming, precision application services, and digital platforms and marketplaces. Bayer aims to access over 100 billion euros in these new markets annually, double its potential market. Additionally, Bayer plans to provide solutions for farmers that improve yields, regenerate soil, and minimize the impact of farming on the climate and broader environment. The company also aims to expand into adjacent markets such as crop fertility, biofuels, digital value chains, and carbon farming. Finally, digital farming and precision agriculture are also in focus, with Bayer’s Climate FieldView being used globally for over 220 million crop acres.
Bayer’s Smallholder Farming Initiatives Elevate Livelihoods Globally, Study Finds (2023/06/28)
Independent research conducted by social impact measurement firm 60 Decibels reveals significant livelihood improvements for smallholder farmers participating in initiatives sponsored by life sciences giant Bayer. The study encompassed four Bayer-supported smallholder projects in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Mexico/Honduras, demonstrating that a substantial majority of participants experienced increased yields, higher farming incomes, enhanced farming methods, and improved quality of life.
Bayer Crop Science and Fermata’s AI Solution (2023/06/28)
Bayer Crop Science in collaboration with Fermata, has successfully validated a model for reducing pesticide use through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Arava Desert of Israel. The project involved a feasibility study of Fermata’s automated pest and disease detection platform, Croptimus™, which utilized computer vision to analyze thousands of images collected daily by cameras installed in mesh-covered tunnels where melons were grown.
Bayer and ICAR-NRCP Partner for Pomegranate Export-Boosting Project (2023/05/23)
Bayer Crop Sciences and ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate have signed an MoU to develop the Integrated Pest and Disease Management Schedule for Pomegranates. They will establish a model orchard, adhere to EU guidelines, and evaluate the schedule for two seasons at the NRCP orchard and on four farmers’ fields. The collaboration also includes capacity-building activities for farmers and officials.
Bayer Q1 2023: Strong Growth in Crop Science Outside Glyphosate Business (2023/05/11)
Bayer Group’s Q1 statement presented by CEO Werner Baumann showed that the sales figures of the Crop Science business were similar to the prior-year quarter. However, the Crop Science division reported a sales decrease of 1.1% to €8.351 billion, excluding the glyphosate business, the sales increased by approximately 8%. In addition, the division reported double-digit percentage increases in the Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia/Pacific regions. On the other hand, sales in Latin and North America declined due to lower volumes. Despite the decrease in EBITDA before special items to €3.267 billion, the company’s growth in various parts of the Crop Science business, especially outside the glyphosate segment, indicates a positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
Bayer and Superplum Partner For Sustainable Crop Protection (2023/05/09)
Bayer, a global enterprise specializing in life science fields of agriculture and healthcare, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Superplum, an agri-tech start-up, to build and implement a sustainable crop protection model for fruit growers in India. The collaboration aims to benefit 15 thousand smallholder farmers in India over three years, delivering definable economic benefits to all stakeholders.
Bayer Thrives in 2022 and Sets Course for Future Growth (2023/05/01)
Bayer, a leading life science company, reported a strong performance in 2022. The company’s CEO, Werner Baumann, announced this during a virtual Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer’s sales rose by approximately 9%, reaching 50.7 billion euros. Baumann expressed his confidence in Bayer’s prospects, citing the company’s leadership role in climate protection as a critical aspect of its strategy. The meeting also introduced Bill Anderson, Bayer’s CEO-elect. As Bayer navigates the future, it remains committed to growth, sustainability, and technological innovation, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the life sciences industry.
Bayer to Invest €60M in Ukraine’s Corn Seed Production Facility (2023/04/05)
To show its support for the nation and expand its Crop Science division, Bayer has announced a €60 million investment in its corn seed manufacturing plant in Pochuiky, Ukraine. To ensure the safety of the Ukrainian coworkers, the investment will also involve building two bomb shelters, a new seed dryer, cutting-edge agricultural field equipment, storage facilities, and a new seed dryer. The investment initiative highlights Bayer’s commitment to Ukraine and its farming communities while assisting in the region’s economic recovery.
Bayer’s Grants4Ag 2023 Cohort to Research Agriculture Sustainability (2023/04/05)
Bayer Crop Science has announced its 2023 cohort of Grants4Ag grant recipients who have been selected to research promising sustainability and biotechnology subjects in agriculture with the support of Bayer. The annual program provides financial and mentorship resources, with awards ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 Euros, and access to some of Bayer’s leading Crop Science researchers as mentors for the duration of the program.
Bayer Establishes Bioethics Council to Ensure Ethical Use of Emerging Technologies (2023/04/03)
Bayer AG, a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company, has established a Bioethics Council comprising internationally renowned experts. The council will provide guidance and an independent perspective on current bioethical questions, particularly developing new biotechnological and artificial intelligence-based solutions. In addition, the company is committed to using emerging technologies in an ethically responsible manner as part of its business and R&D activities across all its divisions.
UN 2023 Water Conference: Bayer Pledges To Tackle Water Crisis (2023/03/22)
Bayer unveiled its new water strategy at the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York. The approach aims to improve water consumption per kilogram of the crop by 25% by 2030, increase water productivity, and minimize the environmental impact of its crop protection portfolio. Bayer is committed to providing all employees with access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation at all locations, reducing emissions, and setting strict discharge limits for active chemicals in wastewater. By 2025, it will establish water goals for its operations and ensure the business sector is appropriately involved in the ongoing water discussion.
Bayer and Microsoft Partner for Cloud-Based Agri-Food Solutions (2023/03/15)
Bayer and Microsoft have teamed up to develop a cloud-based platform called Azure Data Manager for Agriculture. The platform combines Bayer’s agricultural data with Microsoft’s digital infrastructure capabilities to offer better-connected solutions and increased supply chain transparency for the agri-food industry. The partnership aims to break down data silos and drive interoperability across the value chain providing benefits for farmers, companies, and consumers.
Bayer Presents the Preceon™ Smart Corn System (2023/03/09)
Bayer has introduced the Preceon Smart Corn System, which they believe has the potential to transform the agriculture industry. The system is designed to help farmers protect their crops and make more informed decisions throughout the season. The system aims to increase yields, reduce input costs, and streamline farming processes by collecting and analyzing real-time data. Bayer plans to expand the Preceon Smart Corn System testing through the Ground Breakers Field Trials in 2023, covering over 30,000 acres to gain more data and insights. The targeted commercial introduction of the system in the US in 2024 is expected to benefit farmers significantly. Bayer believes that the Preceon Smart Corn System will continue to evolve and offer more benefits in the future.
Great Plains Mfg Partners With Bayer For Regenerative Agriculture Practices (2023/02/17)
Great Plains Mfg. has recently partnered with ForGround by Bayer to promote regenerative agriculture practices. Both companies firmly commit to helping farmers overcome challenges and adopt sustainable practices. The partnership enables Great Plains to join ForGround by Bayer’s “grower support networks” to provide innovative solutions to farmers in the ag industry.
Joins Forces With M2i To Enhance Crop Protection Solutions (2023/02/06)
The company joined forces with M2i Group to provide biological crop protection solutions to fruit and vegetable farmers worldwide. The partnership will see Bayer becoming the exclusive distributor of selected M2i products that target lepidoptera pests in crops, including tomatoes, grapes, and stone and pome fruits.
Bayer & Oerth Bio To Develop Next-Gen Crop Protection Products (2023/01/19)
The company announced a new collaboration with Oerth Bio to develop the next generation of sustainable crop protection products. The partnership aims to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture by using Oerth Bio’s unique protein degradation technology, which has the potential to generate products with lower application rates and favorable safety profiles.
Image provided by Bayer
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