Bayer reaffirms commitment to Ukraine with €60 million investment in corn seed production

Bayer corn seed production facility in Pochuiky, Ukraine

(IN BRIEF) Bayer, the life sciences company, has announced a €60 million investment in its corn seed production facility in Pochuiky, Ukraine, to strengthen its Crop Science business and contribute to rebuilding the economy of the country. The investment includes a new seed dryer, agricultural field equipment, storage facilities, and the construction of two bomb shelters for the safety of the employees. Bayer has been actively involved in solving social issues of the local community and has been supporting its employees, customers, and the Ukrainian people since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Bayer’s investment in Pochuiky site aligns with its efforts to support Ukraine and its people during difficult circumstances.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEVERKUSEN/ KYIV, 5-Apr-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Bayer (ETR: BAYN), a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition and and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has announced a €60 million investment in its corn seed production facility in Pochuiky, Ukraine, from 2023 onwards. This investment includes a new seed dryer, agricultural field equipment, storage facilities, and the construction of two bomb shelters to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian colleagues operating the facility. With this investment, Bayer strengthens its Crop Science business in Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to the country and contributing to rebuilding its economy.

“We stand with Ukraine. That was the case before the war broke out – and it’s even more so since then. Bayer has been active in Ukraine for many years and is committed to the country, its people and farming communities,” said Bayer’s Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability Matthias Berninger. “Our investment underscores our commitment which is in full alignment with our vision of ‘Health for all, hunger for none’ and reflects the critical importance of the country in the global food supply chain. We will do our part to support the rebuilding plan for Ukraine and protecting food security for the region and for the world.”

The announcement was made during a small business delegation visit to Ukraine led by German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, which included Bayer Ukraine’s Managing Director, Oliver Gierlichs. The delegation discussed Germany’s commitment to the country, its people, and the possibilities of an economic partnership.

Prior to the war, Bayer invested almost €200 million to establish corn seed production through a network of skilled Ukrainian farmers and the greenfield seed processing site in Pochuiky. The plant was inaugurated in 2018 and operates with approximately 100 on-site employees and 250 to 300 seasonal workers. Bayer is one of the biggest investors in the region, and its taxes comprise approximately 25% of the local community budget. The company is actively involved in solving social issues in the local community, investing in the construction of a new road and local hospital, as well as supporting the local school, kindergarten, and library.

Bayer has been supporting its employees, customers, and the Ukrainian people since the beginning of the Russian invasion. The company donated more than 40,000 bags of corn and vegetable seeds, healthcare products to help over 30,000 patients, and a large-size mechanical mine clearance machine through a Bayer donation of €825,000. Additionally, Bayer purchased six ambulances and 44 defibrillators for the Red Cross Ukraine. Throughout the war, Bayer has continued to pay employees their full salary and supports them with additional benefits such as monetary support, relocation, and sheltering.

Overall, Bayer’s investment in its Pochuiky site aligns with its efforts to support Ukraine and its people during difficult circumstances.

“We are very proud of what our colleagues in Ukraine have accomplished in these unprecedented times to contribute not only to the country’s food supply and resistance, but also to defending the universal values of freedom and democracy. We will continue to support them and the country going forward,” said Oliver Gierlichs.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer 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.

Media contact:

Alexander Gutmann
Media Relations
alexander.gutmann@bayer.com

SOURCE: Bayer AG