Feb 7, 2023
Bayer, Kimitec partner to speed development of biologicals

Bayer and Kimitec have formed a partnership focused on accelerating the development and commercialization of biological crop protection solutions and biostimulants.

As part of a global agreement, the companies will work together to advance and establish biological solutions derived from natural sources, from crop protection products that address pests, diseases and weeds, as well as biostimulants to promote plant growth.

Kimitec operates the MAAVi Innovation Center, Europe’s largest biotechnological innovation hub with 15 years of experience in the research and discovery of natural molecules and compounds for agriculture and food sectors, to provide growers with all types of natural agricultural products. By leveraging Bayer’s product development expertise with Kimitec’s proven discovery capabilities, biological product development will be accelerated to build integrated crop management solutions that can scale and develop through Bayer’s global infrastructure. This includes field testing, product support and commercialization.

Bayer is committed to providing growers with the benefits of biological solutions as part of an integrated crop management system backed by our leading traits, crop protection products and digital tools,” Robert Reiter, head of research and development for Bayer’s Crop Science division, said in a news release. “Every farmer can benefit from biologicals, from seed treatment to pest control, and Bayer will be bringing together systems of solutions to provide more value by providing farmers greater flexibility.”

With this agreement, Kimitec becomes a key partner for the acceleration of Bayer’s pipeline of biologicals. Kimitec’s MAAVi Innovation Center will provide its expertise and its unique technology, including artificial intelligence as an enabler of faster time-to-results. This will fuel Bayer’s ability to market the next generation of biological solutions.

“Our work with Kimitec offers a unique accelerated path to innovative biological solutions that will help us deliver on our shared vision for a new generation of effective, safe and sustainable solutions derived from nature,” Benoit Hartmann, head of biologics for Bayer’s Crop Science division, said in the release. “Being able to partner with Kimitec is exactly how Bayer is going to leverage the open innovation ecosystem to work with our different strategic partners and bring the next generation of biologicals to growers.”

The biologicals market is expected to grow to nearly $27 billion by 2028, as consumers’ demand for low- and no-residue food products, and retailer food sourcing standards drive growers to look for new innovations in crop protection. Since 2007, Kimitec has been developing effective biologicals that provide effective alternatives and complementary options to synthetic crop protection, aligning them with Bayer’s strategy to provide solutions for growers through the integration of existing and future technologies.

“Fifteen years ago, Kimitec had a clear vision to change the way food was produced,” Kimitec CEO Félix García said in the release. “Our agreement with Bayer will help us get closer than ever to materializing our vision as it allows us to expand our global footprint and bringing our technology to millions of growers for the first time.

“As a world leader in biological solutions research and development and manufacturing, Kimitec delivers natural and sustainable solutions without a compromise in efficacy or productivity to the farmer,” Garcia said in the release. “This agreement with Bayer is closely aligned with our 360 Open Innovation strategy, to partner with world leading innovation companies to bring meaningful and sustainable solutions for the farmer, the consumer, and the planet.”

Photo: Bayer and Kimitec are partnering to bring more biological products to control weeds, pests and diseases to the market. Photo: Bayer




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