Bayer comes with short-stalk maize and a cover crop for oil production

Bayer Crop Science recognizes the significant potential of regenerative agriculture, with a focus on soil and plant health, and envisions a doubling of its market value to € 200 million through new initiatives in crop fertility, organic solutions, carbon farming, precision techniques, biofuels, and digitalization. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Bayer aims to achieve a turnover of € 1.5 billion in organic solutions by 2035. By embracing innovative practices, Bayer expects regenerative agriculture to encompass over 160 million hectares globally by the mid-2030s, with projected annual sales of € 30 billion in this sector.

Innovating for the future

Bayer believes that data generated from farms and the sequestration of carbon dioxide will become as crucial to farmers as crop yields. The company’s substantial investments in research and development, totaling € 2.6 billion annually, have established it as a powerhouse in agricultural innovation, with a workforce of 7,700 dedicated individuals. Rodrigo Santos, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, emphasizes the potential of regenerative agriculture to enhance food production, increase farmers’ incomes, improve climate resilience, and restore ecosystems.

Extra short maize

Bayer is not only introducing new organic crop protection products but also developing innovative cultivation methods and crop varieties. One notable development is a new maize variety with shorter stalks, reducing vulnerability to strong winds and facilitating disease and weed control. In collaboration with a partner, Bayer is also launching a novel cultivation system wherein a cover crop becomes a valuable product on its own. This system features an enhanced version of the plant known as Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), marketed as CoverCress, which serves as an oilseed crop. It can be sown between rows of the main crop and harvested for vegetable oil production after the main crop harvest, effectively creating a biofuel crop that does not compete with food production.

Addressing nitrogen dependency

Another key innovation by Bayer is the introduction of nitrogen-fixing properties into crops, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This advancement contributes to the company’s goal of promoting sustainable agriculture while mitigating environmental impacts. By actively embracing regenerative agriculture and driving advancements in various fields, Bayer Crop Science demonstrates its commitment to sustainable farming practices and the development of innovative solutions that promote both productivity and environmental stewardship says Bayer.