Better Agriculture Podcast Episode 5 - Behind the biggest agricultural R&D budget in the world

Bayer Crop Science Australia

Innovations like biotechnology, plant breeding and digital tools have led to transformational changes in agriculture – improving yields, food security, environmental sustainability and human health. As a leading brand for crop protection and seeds, Bayer Crop Science consistently invests more in innovation, discovery and R&D than others in the global agriculture sector. While much of this work is done in labs and fields around the world, it has direct and tangible impacts for farmers in Australia and New Zealand, helping them grow food and fibre more productively and sustainably. Show notes Our host Ed Gannon is joined by Dr Bob Reiter, Head of Research and Development (global) and Chris Staff, Head of Customer Marketing (Australia/New Zealand). • [02:15] Just how big is the R&D budget for Bayer Crop Science? • [04:12] How important is R&D for the agriculture sector? • [05:05] What does Bayer invest in, and why? • [05:57] Bayer’s largest spend: breeding. • [09:00] The role of growers in the development and adoption of new innovations. • [09:41] The development of digital weed management. • [14:50] How does Bayer decide what problems to tackle with R&D investment? • [16:10] How long is the pipeline for new R&D, from idea to implementation? • [17:17] Bayer spends between 5 and 10% of their R&D investment on digital. What areas are currently being focused on? • [19:40] The launch and role of Fieldview in Australia: measuring and managing crops. • [24:30] The role of AI in R&D, and for farmers. • [26:32] The importance of not operating in isolation: working with grower organisations in Australia (Herbicide Innovation Partnership with GRDC) • [35:55] Where will Bayer R&D be in ten years’ time? Guest details Dr Bob Reiter is head of Research and Development at Bayer Crop Science, overseeing the research and development pipeline for the division. Having held various leadership roles in R&D as well as in supply chain, Reiter has nearly 30 years of experience in discovering, developing and delivering innovative R&D solutions in the agricultural space. Chris Staff is Head of Customer Marketing (Australia and New Zealand) at Bayer Crop Science. Chris is responsible for leading the development of customer-centric commercial strategies for Bayer’s crop protection, cotton and canola traits businesses. Chris’ 12 years with Bayer have included roles in asset management, channel key account management, field sales leadership and commercial excellence.