Bayer CropScience, a subgroup of Bayer AG (BYR.L, BAYRY.PK, BAYZF.PK), said it plans to set up a new breeding center in the Wimmera region, near Horsham, Victoria, Australia, focused on wheat and oilseeds. The company plans to invest around 12 million euros for the new station in Western Victoria.
The target is the development of new varieties with higher yields and productivity improvements tailored to Australian conditions. Bayer's breeding activities for wheat and oilseeds in Australia will also be coordinated from the new center. A long term rental agreement for land on which to build the laboratory and glasshouse facilities have been agreed with Longerenong College and Workco Ltd. Up to 20 full-time employees will work at the center in the future.
Construction of the new breeding center will begin in the coming months with first local breeding programs expected to yield results for Australian farmers within the decade.
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