Bayer CropScience and China National Rice Research Institute sign agreements for rice research and development

Strengthening rice collaborations in China

Monheim – Bayer CropScience and the China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) have today signed two agreements in the area of rice research and development. Both parties will begin collaborations in trait development and breeding.

The agreements build on a cooperation framework between Bayer CropScience and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) which was established in 2008. Under this framework, Bayer CropScience is engaged in dialogue with CAAS affiliated institutes such as the CNRRI in the areas of rice, cotton, canola, soybean and safety assessment.

‘We want to intensify our research and development activities in Asia and we look forward to working with CNRRI. By introducing high-yielding hybrids, we intend to make a contribution to securing the world’s food supply in the 21st century”, said Professor Friedrich Berschauer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience, at the signing ceremony in Beijing.

“CAAS attaches great importance to their collaboration and cooperation with Bayer CropScience in many fields and in different forms. Rice is the most important crop in China’s agricultural production. Through the signing of the agreement, we are looking forward to promoting and boosting food security in China and the world at large”, said Dr. Huqu Zhai, President of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

“Both parties formed a strong partnership based on joint participation for mutual benefits, which will enhance the development of rice science and technology”, added Dr. Xiyuan Liao, deputy director general of CNRRI, at the signing ceremony.

Bayer CropScience has extensive expertise in the field of breeding and development of hybrid rice. The company markets conventional hybrid rice varieties under the Arize® brand in countries which together represent over half of the world’s rice cultivation area. They include major rice producers such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam. High-quality Arize® seed combines excellent genetic purity and germination capacity with a very high yield.

About Bayer CropScience
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer CropScience AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 6.4 billion (2008), is one of the world’s leading innovative crop science companies in the areas of crop protection, non-agricultural pest control, seeds and plant biotechnology. The company offers an outstanding range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture and for non-agricultural applications. Bayer CropScience has a global workforce of more than 18,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries. This and further news is available at: www.press.bayercropscience.com.

About Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) is China’s national agricultural research organization, directly affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture. CAAS has a strategic task of serving nation-wide agricultural and rural development and empowering farmers with science and technology. Its major mandates focus on strategic and applied research solving determinant and key scientific problems which are of national or regional importance. CAAS has about 10,000 staff members and 39 research institutes located across 17 different provinces, national municipalities and the autonomous regions. Website: http://www.caas.net.cn

About China National Rice Research Institute
China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) is an integrative research institute of basic rice science in China. It was established in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province as approved by the Chinese State Council in June 1981, under the dual leadership of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the Zhejiang Provincial Government. CNRRI focuses on basic and applied research with a priority on solving significant scientific and technical problems in rice production. Engaging in rice research at population, individual, tissue, cell, and molecular levels, its mission is to contribute food security, nutrition improvement and environment protection. Website: http://www.chinariceinfo.com

Find more information at www.bayercropscience.com.


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