Bayer AG has scrapped plans for wide sales next year of a chemical that is intended to protect U.S. crops from yield-robbing worms, citing ongoing safety concerns.
The decision is the latest setback for Germany-based Bayer following its acquisition of Monsanto for $63 billion in 2018. Bayer is separately battling thousands of lawsuits claiming Monsanto’s glyphosate-based weed killer Roundup causes cancer, allegations the company denies.
Bayer decided not to offer the Monsanto product called NemaStrike Technology broadly after reviewing the experiences farmers and applicators had with it [in 2019], according to a statement.
“After a careful assessment of the applicator and grower experience in 2019, Bayer has made the decision that NemaStrike™ Technology will not be offered broadly in 2020 for corn, cotton or soybeans,” it said.
NemaStrike is applied to crop seeds to defend plants from attacks by worms called nematodes. Monsanto previously said the worms can reduce yields by more than 10%.
A limited number of people suffered skin irritation after handling NemaStrike or seeds treated with the product, according to Bayer.
Read full, original article: Bayer cancels plans to sell U.S. crop product in 2020 over safety concerns
