Crop Science Resource Library

Finding science-based information about modern agriculture that is general enough for all audiences but also sharable in classrooms, online, or at conferences can be difficult. We are passionate about providing materials for you to use whether it’s to bring agriculture in the classroom, write a research paper, or to dive deeper into the technical science for yourself. We invite you to share and distribute these resources.

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Genetically modified crops (also referred to as genetically engineered or GMOs), help farmers to maximize each acre of farmland and reduce resources – water, land, energy – required to produce our food, fuel and fiber. GM crops enable the adoption of more sustainable farming methods like conservation tillage which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) leading to climate change. This section focuses on all things GMOs including sustainability, benefits, safety, animal feed and more.

/ GMO Basics

The resources in this section explain how GMOs are made, current GMOs on the market, and answer common questions.

/ Benefits and Sustainability

The resources in this section illustrate how GMOs are an important tool for farmers to maintain their land and grow food more sustainably. 

/ Safety 

As consumers ourselves, we are committed to developing products that contribute to safe and nutritious food choices – including our own families and friends. Extensive and continued studies on GM crops have been conducted globally by both the public sector and industry to ensure their ongoing safety. GM crops have been tested more than any other crop in the history of agriculture. The resources in this section help explain the testing that has been performed and regulatory processes that are in place to ensure that GM crops are as safe as conventional crops. 

Videos on GMOs

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Farmers face many challenges in their fields such as weeds, pests, and disease. The annual loss in harvests can be up to 40% from weeds, insects, and diseases which could double without crop protection. Protecting crops with pesticides helps reduce food waste during food production. Pesticides are one tool farmers can use to complement other common and effective practices, such as cover crops, tilling, crop rotation, and proper timing of planting. The resources in this section address common questions that people have about pesticides including glyphosate, neonicotinoids, dicamba and biologics.

/ Crop Protection Basics 

/ Glyphosate

/ Dicamba

/ Neonics

Videos on Crop Protection & Pesticides 

/ Biologics

Videos on Biologics

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Through generations of research and discovery, plant breeding has advanced beyond selecting a parent plant simply based on its appearance. It now includes an in-depth understanding of the genetic makeup of a plant, giving breeders the ability to better predict which plants will have the highest probability of success in the field and the grocery store before making a cross. The resources in this section focus on how plant breeding continues to improve upon what farmers have done for thousands of years, and face significant challenges like a changing climate, limited natural resources, reduced arable land and increased consumer demands.

Videos on Plant Breeding and Plant Breeding Innovation

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Genome editing (also referred to as gene editing) has the potential to solve real challenges for farmers and the planet, like reducing the need for pesticides and the use of energy, land, and water. In agriculture, this process typically looks to improve a beneficial trait within an organism, or to remove an undesirable trait. The resources in this section focus on the most recent advancements in plant breeding technique improving seed products with greater efficiency and specificity than ever before.

Videos on Genome Editing

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All life on the farm is interconnected—especially when it comes to pollination. While wind and water carry some pollen, animals help to pollinate an estimated 87.5 percent of flowering plant species. These animals come in many shapes, sizes, and numbers—including a diverse spectrum of life from honey bees to humans. 

Videos on Pollinators

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We’re committed to a world in which biodiversity thrives in harmony with humankind. Where hunger and climate change are terms relegated to history books. Where farms are more sustainable, consisting of plants that are more adaptive and resilient, to help increase economic prosperity for all families and their communities. In short, where agriculture is part of the solution to many of the planet’s biggest challenges.

Videos on Sustainability in Ag

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As a leader in agriculture, Bayer has a responsibility to farmers, consumers, and the planet. While we have always held ourselves to a high standard, we aim to further elevate our efforts in transparency.

Videos on Transparency

“Bayer Transparency Initiative: Crop Protection Safety Data”

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Bayer is in partnership with external advocates of all kinds –and in many cases, we lean on our ag advocates (also known as “agvocates”) to share their own stories and help shape the dialogue. Here you will find resources that can make agriculture advocacy (agvocacy) and science communication even easier!

We’d love to hear from you, too. Feel free to submit questions to us at ScientificResources@bayer.com

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