Bayer Opens New Oilseed Processing Center in EU; Plans to be Major Player in EU Oilseed Rape

Bayer CropScience has officially opened its new €15 million state-of-the-art European Oilseed Processing Center in Monheim, Germany as part of the company’s platform expansion to offer European oilseed rape growers the availability of a fully integrated system for their crop.

The center is indicative of the company’s ambition to become a major player in the European oilseed rape market.

“We see future growth driven by increasing and sustained demand from customers in many countries for improved oilseed rape hybrid varieties,” said Marc Reichardt, Bayer CropScience’s Head of Agricultural Commercial Operations, at the inauguration ceremony. “This investment is good news not only for growers and industrial customers but also for our Monheim site and the company’s global seeds infrastructure.”

Constructed on a total area of one hectare, the new 9,000 square meter center will receive raw seeds from across Europe where they will be fine cleaned and certified, calibrated and treated, using the most modern technologies and equipment. The facility will also include labs, offices, meeting rooms, and storage for raw materials and finished product.

To date, Bayer CropScience has commercialized more than 30 hybrids in 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with the company’s first winter rapeseed varieties being available in Europe since 2012. The company plans to expand its presence in the global oilseed rape sector through the continuation of its investments in research and development, its breeding infrastructure, acquisition and partnerships, and trait license agreements.

“Oilseed rape is an attractive cash crop for European growers. And we are a leading expert when it comes to strong and healthy oilseed plants which lead to superior yields and high nutritional value,” added Frank Terhorst, Global Head of Bayer CropScience’s Seeds Business Unit. “The new Oilseed Processing Center will be the central logistical point to deliver high-quality hybrid seeds to customers across the European and African region.”