Bayer CropScience targets produce industry

Bayer CropScience has launched a new business unit focused primarily on fresh produce. Prior to creating this new division, the North Carolina-based division had been mainly known for its herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and seed growth applications for grains, bulk commodities and seeds.

However, according to Rob Schrick, the company’s strategic management lead for horticulture in the US, this venture is aimed at the horticultural sector for product research and development, targeting six major fresh categories – citrus, tree fruit, vegetables, potatoes, nuts and viticulture.

“We want to more fully understand the real needs of fresh produce growers – from seed to harvest – and assist them in raising their crops more sustainably,” said Schrick (pictured). “We also plan to extend our programmes beyond the field and orchard level and provide transparency to what happens to their fresh fruits and vegetables moving through the distribution channels to the consumer. Bayer CropScience is looking to partner with growers and help them become as efficient as possible in marketing their harvest.”

An example of the company’s increased emphasis on the horticultural sector was the introduction last year of its Luna fungicide, specifically developed for fresh produce applications. Currently registered for use on apples, cherries, tree nuts, grapes, watermelons and potatoes, Luna has been shown to be effective in controlling powdery mildew, scab, leaf spot, botrytis and other diseases, as well as extending shelf-life in apples and cherries.

Underscoring Bayer CropScience’s intentions to expand into the horticultural sector, Schrick recently joined the board of directors for the United Fresh Produce Association.