With this decision, the German group said its Crop Science division will be able to sharpen its focus on its core agricultural business, accelerate its strategy implementation and allow the Environmental Science Business to find the growth resources it needs under new ownership.

The Environmental Science Professional business, which Bayer described as a global leader offering environmental solutions to control pests, disease and weeds in non-agricultural areas, had sales of about €600 million in 2019.

The group has appointed Gilles Galliou, currently head of commercial operations for Bayer Vegetable Seeds Americas, to lead the Environment Science business through the sale. The business will also move from Germany to Cary, North Carolina, USA, part of the state’s Research Triangle, with effect from Jun. 1.

Bayer has also made three key executive appointments in the Crop Science division as it seeks to further drive performance and growth. Jacqueline Applegate, who currently heads the division’s Environmental Science and Vegetable Seeds businesses, will lead Crop Science North America from Mar. 1.

Effective Mar. 15, Jeremy Williams, currently global head of plant biotechnology at Crop Science, will take over as head of Bayer’s digital arm, Climate Corp, and the digital farming business, while Tom Armitage from Mondelez will be head of Crop Science global communications.

“With the announced portfolio and leadership changes, and important new product approvals for soybeans, corn and cotton in the Americas, we are now shifting gears from integration to growth acceleration. We are laser-focused on commercial execution and on transforming agriculture through innovation that benefits farmers, consumers and our planet,” said Liam Condon, member of Bayer’s board of management and president of the Crop Science division.

He added: “The global coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how important agriculture and a sustainable food system are, and the crucial role science can play in solving difficult problems. Driving innovation, accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture and helping decarbonize the food system are at the core of our vision to feed a growing population without starving the planet.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist