Bayer Crop Science considers seed expansion

Bayer's Crop Science business is looking to enhance its seeds operation in wheat and soy seed markets as competitive threats increase with big mergers among its rivals.

 

The Crop Science operation comprises of the world's second-largest pesticides supplier but remains a much smaller player in seeds.

 

DuPont and Dow Chemical Co agreed in December to combine their seeds and pesticides businesses to create a new industry giant, and ChemChina is planning to make an agreed takeover offer for Syngenta, the global leader in crop chemicals.

 

Liam Condon,Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience, signalled that Bayer may need faster growth in seeds than in crop chemicals to offer customers a more balanced package of products and services.

 

"If you have seeds, crop protection and a supporting, decision-making platform with digital services, and you can prove to the farmer that you can increase yield with less resources, that's a very compelling offer," said Condon.