Bayer CropScience announces new wheat testing in the UK

Bayer CropScience recently announced that it will commence wheat variety testing in the UK.

Andrew Orme, Managing Director of Bayer CropScience in the UK said, “The UK Government now has a positive policy on modern, productive, and sustainable agriculture for the first time in years and we are responding in what is an exciting day for Bayer CropScience, which should send a clear message that we have serious intentions as a wheat seed company.”

Secretary of State Rt Hon Owen Paterson said, “Bayer’s decision to invest in the UK shows that businesses are backing Defra’s aim for the UK to be the best place in the world to do agricultural research, and that our long-term economic plan is working. Major investment and research is great for the UK’s world-class scientists, agricultural industry and farmers.”

Mr Orme continued, “We already have wheat lines applicable for our maritime climate. Work on evaluating new potential varieties of wheat will start as early as this Autumn and this is expected to be the start of developing the company’s capabilities and assets in the UK.”

“Traditionally, Bayer CropScience has been thought of as the UK leader in cereal crop protection. Today’s announcement underlines our desire to be a major supplier of seeds and traits as well, building on our successful entry into the UK oilseed rape seed market two years ago. This central testing site in the vicinity of Cambridge will evolve as our breeding investment develops in both wheat and oilseed rape”.