Open Dialogue and Transparency Drive Progress in Modern Agriculture and Consumer Acceptance

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- People around the world seem to be more divided on important food and agricultural topics than ever before. The use of on-farm technologies, breakthroughs like CRISPR, and how to address consumers' ever-changing perceptions of modern ag are just a few of the heavily debated topics in agriculture and non-agriculture circles alike. There's no shortage of passion on all sides.

But the true essence of these subjects doesn't lie at the poles, but rather somewhere in the middle. That's why they are just some of the topics that will be discussed at the Bayer AgVocacy Forum, on Feb. 26-27 in Orlando.

"This is a historic time of both evolution and opportunity in agriculture, and also at Bayer," said Lisa Safarian, President and Head of Commercial Operations for Crop Science North America at Bayer, who will speak at the event. "The AgVocacy Forum is a time when we bring together leading voices in our industry to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing us, in the spirit of respectful and candid dialogue," said Safarian, who assumed the key commercial leadership role for North America in August 2018, after Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto closed.

This year, those topics will include the latest in-field innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as urban farming and shifting consumer preferences. In addition, Safarian will share her vision for agriculture in North America and for Bayer's role in it. Dr. Robert (Bob) Reiter, Head of Research and Development for the Crop Science division of Bayer, will highlight the company's pipeline of future products. The two-day agenda will also include panel discussions and presentations featuring experts and thought leaders from across industry, academia, grower associations and, of course, growers themselves. The impressive line-up includes the following:

• Nikolas Badminton, Futurist and Strategic Advisor
• Lynn Dornblaser, Director of Innovation and Insight, Mintel
• Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
• Dan Basse, President, AgResource
• Kevin Kester, 2018 President, National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Sheila MacVicar, an award-winning international news correspondent, and Clinton Griffiths, one of the most visible journalists serving U.S. agriculture, will co-moderate the event. Together, they will guide attendees through the program from both industry and consumer perspectives. "Gaining public support for modern agriculture means building bridges with people who may not be familiar with farming," said Darren Wallis, Vice President, Crop Science North America Communications at Bayer. "That's why we'll examine not only a range of the most impactful issues facing ag, but also various points of view as we explore them together."

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about specific areas and initiatives at Bayer, from the company's newly integrated portfolio of industry-leading products, to the latest at The Climate Corporation, Bayer's venture investments, and initiatives to protect the environment.

Join the conversation by following @bayer4cropsus on Twitter and Instagram, using #AgVocate and following our social live stream. Panels and discussions also will be broadcast live from Orlando in the AgVocate Facebook group. For more information on the event, please contact the representatives below.

Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agricultural and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at cropscience.bayer.us.

Visit the Bayer Connect - Social Hub for social media, recent news, blog posts, videos and more from Crop Science, a division of Bayer.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

©2018 Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63167. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER. (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.cropscience.bayer.us.

SOURCE Bayer

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