MONHEIM / Germany, 2 September 2023: Bayer, a global leader in Crop Protection, has made a significant stride in its commitment to sustainable agriculture by announcing a EUR 220 million investment in a state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility at its Monheim site.
This groundbreaking investment marks Bayer's largest single commitment to its Crop Protection business in Germany since the establishment of the Monheim campus in 1979.
The newly planned Product Safety complex, which will encompass cutting-edge laboratories, offices, and a greenhouse area, is designed to accommodate around 200 employees. Its primary focus will be the development of the next generation of chemicals that support a sustainable agricultural future while prioritizing the safety of both the environment and humans. This bold initiative is expected to bolster Bayer's efforts to become a significant contributor to regenerative agriculture, offering Crop Protection solutions with superior environmental profiles that will reduce agriculture's ecological footprint.
Dr. Robert Reiter, Head of R&D at Bayer's Crop Science Division, emphasized the importance of pushing beyond established safety standards to unlock groundbreaking innovations in Crop Protection. He stated, "Looking into the future, we must radically transform today's farming systems and switch to regenerative agriculture practices that produce more with less, while restoring more. There is a high demand for pushing beyond established standards in safety to unlock breakthrough innovation and Crop Protection solutions with better environmental profiles."
This substantial investment also underscores Bayer's commitment to Europe as a hub for innovation and aligns with its Future Concept for Germany. Dirk Backhaus, Head of Product Supply at Crop Science, emphasized the company's focus on innovation, saying, "Even in times of economic uncertainty, we are laser-focused on innovation and future technologies. We have a long track record of investing in research, development, and production of safe chemical products for agriculture, and we're eager to leverage our world-class expertise in Germany to shape the future of regenerative agriculture here and around the world."
Over the past three years, Bayer has invested EUR 180 million at its Dormagen site, concentrating on expanding production capacities for modern Crop Protection solutions.
Crop Protection plays a crucial role in safeguarding approximately 30 percent of global crop yields, providing food for over 2 billion people and limiting land use changes that affect natural habitats. The potential to create environmentally friendly and climate-neutral Crop Protection products is vast and will enhance Bayer's global competitiveness. This investment signifies Bayer's dedication to fostering innovation within Germany and Europe. The anticipated construction period for the new Monheim facility is approximately three years, with full commissioning slated for 2026.
Environmental Protection Transforms Established Safety Assessments
Bayer is committed to ensuring the safety of its plant protection products in Europe and other regions, adhering to stringent regulatory standards. Dr. Axel Trautwein, Head of Regulatory Science at Crop Science, explained, "To support the safety of our products, we address all concerns of regulators using high-quality metabolism, human, and environmental data packages for thorough risk assessments." The new facility will enable tests and studies to be conducted under more realistic conditions, similar to those found in nature.
Environmental safety will be a key focus area, encompassing exposure studies in various environmental compartments and safety assessments of non-target organisms such as aquatic and soil organisms, wild birds and mammals, and pollinators like honey bees and bumble bees. These studies aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental exposure and effects of Crop Protection products, ensuring their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the flexible lab design will allow for adaptations to the dynamic global regulatory landscape.
Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Crop Protection
The new R&D facilities at Monheim will serve as a cornerstone for Bayer's innovative approach to Crop Protection. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, Bayer aims to design the next generation of Crop Protection products that surpass existing environmental standards. Rachel Rama, Head of Small Molecules at Crop Science, described this innovative approach, stating, "With our new disruptive innovation approach – what we call CropKey – we are now designing molecules instead of selecting them." This approach relies on a discovery concept that enables the creation of solutions based on predefined safety and sustainability profiles, setting new industry benchmarks.
Bayer's investment in Monheim will establish a cutting-edge data powerhouse in a high-tech work environment, attracting top researchers and future talents. This approach aligns with Bayer's sustainability commitment to reduce the environmental impact of Crop Protection products by 30% by 2030.
Bayer's substantial investment in regenerative agriculture R&D signifies a commitment to sustainable farming practices and innovation, reinforcing its position as a global leader in Crop Protection while contributing to a greener, more environmentally responsible future.
