Bayer CropScience opens new Development North America facilities in Research Triangle Park

With the expansion of its North American headquarters in Research Triangle Park, Bayer CropScience continues to develop sustainable solutions for farmers around the world as well as the for the communities where we live, work and play. The crop protection company celebrated the opening of its new Development North America facilities and laboratories this past week. These facilities boast 40,000 square feet of space in which nearly 70 scientists will conduct crop protection and environmental science research, including pest and turf and ornamentals management. The renovations and remodeling, a combined investment of $16.1 million, will allow Development North America to serve as the global center for seed growth formulations as well as the U.S. center for product safety and seed growth technology.

“The agriculture community, professional pest managers and amateur gardeners stand to benefit greatly from expanded facilities and research capabilities,” said Dr. Bob Graney, head of Development North America for Bayer CropScience. “The concentration of innovation and development efforts at the Research Triangle Park campus will allow Bayer CropScience to leverage knowledge and increase collaborations among scientists to grow a healthier world in which we live, work and play.”

During the opening celebration, Dr. Graney was joined by Dr. Adrian Percy, global head of Regulatory Affairs, and Development North America employees as they demonstrated the role that the facilities and laboratories will play in Bayer CropScience’s overall research and development strategy. In addition to studying seed growth, scientists will work with some of agriculture’s brightest minds on human and environmental safety.

“Crop sustainability, environmental management and ensuring a strong global food supply are just a few of the reasons. Bayer CropScience decided to further invest in the Development North America laboratories,” said Percy. “New and renovated facilities will give us increased capabilities to develop agricultural products for the North American and global markets. Sophisticated safety evaluation is one of the first and most important steps in generating a food supply that can be safely grown, transported and consumed. Our scientists will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to utilize research to benefit an exponentially growing population for years to come.”

Development activities in the new facilities include testing and developing new chemistries for seed growth formulations and performing a range of safety studies to ensure Bayer CropScience products are safe both to the environment and consumers. Dedicated laboratory space will also allow for research on formulations to protect homes, businesses and recreational areas from a variety of pests.