Bayer Crop Science

This interview details Bayer Crop Science, a division of Bayer headquartered in Germany. The interview is with Carlos Buzio Meseha, North America’s Protected Culture Segment Lead - Strategic Marketing at Bayer Crop Science.

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How do you see the current situation in protected crops and what are the major challenges ahead?

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Bayer Crop Science acknowledges the complexity of the current situation in protected crops. Our concerted effort against the tomato brown rugose fruit virus reflects our commitment to tackling key industry challenges.

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We are not only developing disease-resistant varieties but also ensuring that these meet the high-quality standards demanded by both growers and consumers. In the broader context, we are addressing the industry-wide pressures from rising costs and inflation. These challenges, however, present unique opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in diversifying into new crop varieties. Our strategy is to navigate these challenges while maintaining our focus on sustainable and profitable agriculture.

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What trending crops are you noticing from your perspective?

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We are closely monitoring the shift towards a variety of crops, especially leafy greens and berries. This trend is a response to evolving market demands and consumer preferences. Our customers are also exploring new avenues within traditional crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, expanding into varieties previously unexplored. Bayer Crop Science aims to support these ventures with innovative solutions and expertise. Understanding these shifts helps us align our R&D efforts with market needs, ensuring we remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Our overarching goal is to ensure our product portfolio aligns with these emerging market trends and supports our customers' growth.

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What sets Bayer Crop Science apart from other genetics providers?

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Our edge lies in the integration of advanced R&D methodologies and customer-centric innovation strategies. We have significantly invested in enhancing our research capabilities to speed up the development of new, robust crop varieties. Our approach blends modern biotechnological techniques with traditional breeding methods, ensuring a diverse and resilient product lineup. Collaborating closely with our customers allows us to tailor our innovations to real-world agricultural challenges. This partnership extends beyond just product trials; it encompasses a deep understanding of the market's needs. Our innovations are therefore not just scientifically advanced but also practically relevant and market-responsive.

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How does collaboration with customers and emerging technologies influence innovation at Bayer?

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Innovation at Bayer is a synergistic process, combining our in-house R&D expertise with insights from our customer base and the latest technological advancements. Customer collaboration is integral, providing real-world feedback that shapes our product development. We engage with our customers at various stages, ensuring that our products are not only technically sound but also meet the practical demands of the market. Emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, are also crucial in our innovation process, enabling us to make more informed decisions and enhance our breeding programs. This multi-faceted approach ensures that our innovations are well-rounded, addressing current challenges and anticipating future trends.

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Are there any geographical trends in glasshouse production?

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In the Americas, we're observing significant investments in glasshouse production, particularly in the U.S., to bring production closer to consumers. This trend aligns with the growing consumer preference for locally grown, fresh produce. Our role is to support this shift by providing high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties suitable for various climatic conditions. We are also noticing a gradual diversification in the types of crops being grown in these glasshouses, reflecting changing market demands. Our aim is to stay ahead of these trends, offering products and solutions that cater to the evolving needs of glasshouse growers across the region.

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What are your thoughts on vertical farming from the perspective of your greenhouse-focused customers?

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While Bayer Crop Science is primarily focused on glasshouse production, we acknowledge the rising interest in vertical farming. Our greenhouse-focused customers view vertical farming as a complementary approach rather than direct competition. However, as we specialize in glasshouse production, our insights into vertical farming are limited. We continue to monitor developments in this area, understanding its potential impact on the broader agricultural landscape. Our current focus remains on enhancing glasshouse production through genetic innovations and sustainable practices.

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Beyond genetics, what other areas of innovation in greenhouses excite you?

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Digital initiatives, such as 'Plant Balance', are at the forefront of our innovation beyond genetics. This digital tool exemplifies our commitment to integrating technology with traditional farming practices, providing growers with actionable insights for optimizing crop performance. We believe in harnessing the power of data to revolutionize greenhouse agriculture. Such digital tools are a testament to our focus on innovation that goes beyond the seed. They represent a significant step towards smarter, more efficient, and sustainable agriculture practices. Our vision is to empower growers with technology that enhances productivity while maintaining environmental stewardship.

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What is your take on the integration of robotics in greenhouses?

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Robotics in greenhouses is an emerging field that we are closely monitoring. While not directly involved in developing these technologies, we understand their potential in revolutionizing greenhouse operations. Our focus is on developing crop varieties that are compatible with automated systems, considering aspects like plant architecture. We recognize that robotics can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce labor costs in greenhouses. Thus, our R&D efforts are geared towards creating varieties that facilitate automation. We believe that the integration of robotics and advanced plant genetics will be pivotal in shaping the future of greenhouse agriculture.

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What are your predictions for the greenhouse industry in North America in the coming years?

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We predict a sustained growth trajectory for the greenhouse industry in North America, driven by the increasing consumer demand for locally grown produce. This trend is likely to continue, fueling industry expansion and innovation. Economic factors may influence consumer preferences, potentially impacting the demand for certain crop segments. However, we anticipate a continued rise in the popularity of snacking varieties, which will shape our variety development focus. We also foresee a broader adoption of digital tools in greenhouses, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Lastly, growers are expected to diversify their crop portfolios, reducing risk and meeting evolving market demands.

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Do you believe consumer awareness of the greenhouse growing process will increase?

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We are optimistic about the increasing consumer awareness regarding greenhouse production. Educating consumers about the benefits and sustainability of protected growing is a priority for us and the entire industry. Many of our customers are already engaged in effective consumer education through powerful branding and marketing. At Bayer, we complement these efforts by highlighting the environmental and sustainability advantages of greenhouse-grown produce. We believe that informed consumers will increasingly appreciate and seek out greenhouse-grown products, supporting a more sustainable food system.

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How can people learn more about Bayer Crop Science's work in protected crops?

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To learn more about our initiatives in protected crops, visiting the Bayer Crop Science website is the best starting point. It provides comprehensive and up-to-date information about our projects, research advancements, and contributions to the field. The website is a resource hub for anyone interested in understanding our role in advancing protected crop agriculture. Through this platform, we share insights into our innovative approaches, successes, and future plans, offering a window into how Bayer Crop Science is shaping the future of agriculture.

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