Bayer CropScience today inaugurated its new Bayer plant biotechnology innovation center in Gent, Belgium, the largest and most modern research facility of its BioScience business group for developing plant biotechnology and seed products. Together with other BioScience research sites in France, the Netherlands, Germany and numerous development sites around the world, it develops plant-based solutions for agriculture, nutrition, health and biomaterials.

For André Roef, Managing Director of Bayer BioScience N.V. in Gent, a key success factor is the combination of research expertise and various global support functions: "We are excited to have this modern facility now, which combines all elements to further drive innovation in plant biotechnology."

According to Prof. Friedrich Berschauer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience, the innovation center marks an important milestone in Bayer's plant biotechnology strategy: "Through the use of plant biotechnology and modern breeding, plants will be enhanced to increase the quantity and quality of food, feed and fiber to the benefit of farmers, consumers, the industry and the environment." Berschauer underlined Bayer's commitment to plant biotechnology research in Europe and the firm belief in the future benefits that this cutting edge technology would be able to bring.

The innovation center was inaugurated in the presence of Prince Laurent of Belgium and Hugh Richardson, Member of the EU-Commission, as well as more than 400 international guests.

The innovation center was constructed in less than two years and represents an investment of nearly 20 million Euro. The state-of-the-art facility offers 13,000 m2 space for the team of 200 BioScience scientists and employees, including biotechno-logy labs, growth rooms, offices and a spacious atrium. With greenhouse and field management facilities in the proximity the team can handle the most complex plant biotechnology projects.

BioScience is a business group within of Bayer CropScience and a global player in research, development and marketing of seeds and solutions derived from modern plant breeding techniques and biotechnology. BioScience will invest around 85 million Euro in 2004 in R&D to support the pipeline of innovate products and solutions.

Bayer CropScience, a subsidiary of Bayer AG with annual sales of about EUR 5.8 billion (2003), 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 about 19,000 and is represented in more than 120 countries, ensuring proximity to dealers and consumers.