March 7, 2013

In order for Bayer CropScience to use the lineage of new wheat varieties of Biotrigo Genetica Ltd., a Brazilian wheat-breeding company, the two companies have signed an agreement to expand their successful cooperation.

Biotrigo's germplasm pool is renowned for its yield, high milling and baking quality and disease resistance. Financial details were not disclosed.

"Our agreement with Biotrigo is another step towards a world-class research platform for wheat genetics," said Hartmut van Lengerich, Head of Cereals and Fungicides at Bayer CropScience. "We have entered into collaborations with the best partners in wheat research and breeding across the world. Now we are also looking forward to working with the motivated and experienced Biotrigo team."

"Biotrigo is a global leader in combining grain yield and end-use quality with resistance to difficult-to-control diseases," said Edward Souza, Director of Wheat Breeding at Bayer CropScience. "Their guidance will help us continue to build our capacity in Europe and emerging markets."

For André Rosa, Biotrigo Business Director, the agreement with Bayer CropScience is important because it strengthens the company's growth and contributes to its vision of leadership in Latin America.

According to Ottoni Rosa Filho, Biotrigo Technical Director, the agreement will enable an even greater investment in research and development, contributing to generations of innovation for wheat farmers. "This agreement enables Biotrigo and its partners to be more competitive by enhancing their portfolio of cultivars in the medium and long-term," assured Ottoni Rosa Filho. André Rosa added that Bayer CropScience is synonymous with quality in everything it does.

Biotrigo is based in Passo Fundo in the region Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Both companies are already involved in a successful cooperation for the joint development of customised solutions consisting of wheat seeds and crop protection products for the Brazilian market. The expansion of this collaboration is focused on regions outside the Americas.