Company Announcement - Farming in South Africa is currently  faced  with challenges ranging from climate change and depleting water resources, to ongoing labour issues and skills shortages. However, significant issues affecting the local farming environment including weed resistance and bee care, don’t receive sufficient market attention. In light of this, Bayer is driving a stance for sustainable farming and is launching their “Committed to the Future” pledge at the 2016 Grain SA Congress.

According to Klaus Eckstein, CEO and Head of Crop Science in Bayer Southern Africa, “We are very aware of the challenge of feeding a growing population. Of late, this challenge has been exacerbated by environmental influences, such as the current drought Southern Africa is experiencing and growing populations of herbicide-resistant weeds. Added to this is an increasing awareness on bee health issues. The responsible use of innovative crop protection solutions is key to ensure continuous development of efficient farming practices to ensure the sustainability of food supply.”

“As a highly responsible corporate citizen, our mission is to use science to improve life. We are committed to the future of farming in South Africa and as such we want to leverage on our many years of study, science and expertise to be a part of the solution,” adds Eckstein. “As such, we will continue to invest more than 10% of our turnover in developing new innovative compounds. Based on our ongoing research and development activities, for example we will soon be launching a biological product to guard against Sclerotinia, an aphicide which has a safer environmental profile, a nematicide for maize and soya, as well as an exciting range of fungicides for  both maize and cereals.“

Added to this, and as part of the company’s commitment to partnering for the success and profitability of local grain farmers, Bayer will be investing in areas of resistance management, responsible crop protection and sustainable farming through initiatives like the Bayer Forward Farms, designed to introduce innovation in farming at a commercial level.

The challenges facing South African farmers are not only increasing in number, but are also complex. As a result, new and innovative approaches have become necessary to maintain productivity and ensure that only high-quality produce and safe foods reach the consumer. “We are committed to help tackle these challenges through science led innovations and a holistic, responsible and sustainable approach to farming. It is our intention to ensure that we develop products that will make farming more efficient so that we can effectively partner with all farmers to help them realise the full potential of their land and yields,” concludes Eckstein.

The Grain SA Congress is currently taking place in Bothaville on 2 - 3 March 2016. To join Bayer in taking up the “Committed to the Future” pledge, delegates are invited to visit the company’s stand at the Grain SA Congress, and stand “Committed to the Future.”