Bayer CropScience inks Malaysia food agreement

Bayer CropScience has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority, Nestle Malaysia and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for a Food Chain Partnership project.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister, Datuk Chia Tee Yong, who witnessed the signing of the MoU, said the Food Chain Partnership Project is to improve the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables and rice in Malaysia.

"The Food Chain Partnership such as what Bayer CropScience is doing with FAMA, Nestle and NIOSH, is important to ensure that the consumer's need for safe and sustainable food production is met.

"Bayer CropScience with its expertise will promote good agricultural practices to enhance the safety, quality and traceability of fresh produce," he said to reporters after the MoU signing ceremony.

Herbert Dittmar, of Bayer Co, who was also present at the event, said Food Chain Partnership is a proactive approach to create demand for sustainable crop solutions, facilitating mutually beneficial business relationships and a proven concept with more than 240 projects in more than 30 countries.

With FAMA, Bayer will be working closely with their contract farmers and durian exporting growers, while with Nestle, Bayer will promote a sustainable integrated crop solution for their chilli growers and in near future, for rice.

In the case of NIOSH, he said Bayer will continue its efforts to train growers and their staff on the safe use of pesticides.

"In fact, Bayer Malaysia is investing RM200,000 yearly for the Food Chain Partnership in Malaysia," he added.