Bayer Brings Agriculture Innovation to Tucson 

Bayer Brings Agriculture Innovation to Tucson 

By Jacob T. Kerr | Communications Specialist at Bayer Crop Science 

At Bayer, we built a legacy of science innovation over the past 159 years while supporting our global mission—Health for All, Hunger for None. In 2016, that legacy continued into the greater Tucson community with the dream of a sustainable future for agriculture.  

Positive community impact
Since then, we not only built a greenhouse that turns our dream into reality; we are also connecting with the local community through volunteering and donations, creating highly skilled jobs for community members, and positively impacting the local economy. 

Right here in Marana, we are growing corn in a seven-acre greenhouse. Unlike traditional setups, we are using state-of-the-art automation technology and tracing genetic information to grow better corn for farmers facing the devastating effects of climate change. 

Our dream for the greenhouse was ideally suited for the desert of Southern Arizona for both the climate and for the community. The constant sunshine provides optimal growing conditions year-round while Tucson provides high-level talent. Much of our team graduated from the University of Arizona, and the Wildcats are helping push agriculture forward! 

The legacy we are building in science innovation is equally matched by the legacy we are building in positive community impact. Over the past few years, we have made meaningful connections with local non-profits, emergency services, public schools, and other organizations. Through the Bayer Fund, we awarded these groups over $300,000 to support programs such as Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, Avra Valley Fire Department and Marana Unified School District. 

The Cooper Center for Environmental Learning used their 2021 grant to help run their Camp Cooper field-trip program for local students. Colin Waite, Director at the Cooper Center, says the grant helped connect students with the environment in a substantial way. 

“Thanks so much to the Bayer Fund and to our local representatives for supporting what we do with our kids across Southern Arizona,” Waite says. “Our focus is on field trip experiences for Title I schools and providing kids with an opportunity to learn about our Sonoran Desert in a first-hand way, providing positive experiences in nature, ecological understandings, and an inspiration to live more sustainably on our planet. Our award will go directly towards support for our educational staff and programs.” 

Data-driven decisions
Inside the greenhouse, our team spans across all fields including agriculture, chemistry, engineering, math, and many more. We combine the countless years of expertise to continually exceed what we thought possible. Through our innovative systems, we grow continuously throughout the year and complete 3–4 crop cycles annually. We also keep track of each seed’s genetic information through its life cycle, so when it comes to planting the next generation, we can make data-driven decisions on our seed selections.  

By increasing efficiency and accuracy, Bayer helps farmers small and large grow better corn in the face of climate change. One variety of our corn yields shorter stalks with one ear. The shorter stalks stand stronger when facing high-impact windstorms. With less material, they also require fewer resources from the farmer such as water and nutrients. In addition to corn, the data we are collecting is helping grow other types of crops that are more drought-resistant, pest-resistant, and produce more efficient yields.  

Seeds of sustainability
While we are focused on our crops providing sustainable solutions, we maintain our growing processes to the same standard. Growing crops in the desert means we need to be conscious of how we use our water, so we recycle and reuse about 90% of it using an innovative irrigation system. Also, after the corn is harvested, nearly all excess material is composted right on our site. We use this compost to create a healthy soil microbiome on our outdoor property and grow fruits and vegetables in our site garden.  

All our efforts to bring innovation to Tucson are driven by our site lead, Edson Kemper. Edson recently moved from Brazil with his family to join the greenhouse team and the Tucson community. With innovation, sustainability, and community in mind, he is passionate about maintaining the Bayer legacy here and getting to know his new home.  

“My work with Bayer has always been focused on making the best crops for farmers around the world, no matter how small or large they are,” Edson says. “That means in Marana we are using this amazing facility and technology to find solutions for the issues we have across the world.”  

Edson has worked for Bayer since 2000 after receiving a doctorate in plant genetics. Throughout his career, Edson has continuously advocated for innovation in agriculture and plant science as a method of providing practical solutions to climate change, world hunger, and other pressing issues. His work also includes entrepreneurship, as he helped lead a biotech start-up in Brazil to face these same problems. 

Outside of the greenhouse, Edson says he is also looking forward to the new adventures moving to Tucson brings. He is an avid cyclist, who champions healthy living through fun physical activity.  

“When it comes to my family, it is definitely exciting to live in a different culture. Moving somewhere new puts ideas and thoughts you have in a different perspective, and we are looking forward to experiencing this in Arizona.” 

Prioritizing safety
As we continue to grow and create new jobs, safety is our number one priority above all else. Through the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have followed all recommended guidelines and adhered to safety regulations. Despite the challenges posed to all businesses across the globe, we persevered as essential workers as a team, while keeping each other safe and healthy. 

From the first days of being a dream to what it is today, our team worked tirelessly to create the greenhouse from the ground up. From today to the future, we will strive to continue the positive legacy of Bayer here in Tucson, while growing with our community. We will continue to push agriculture forward for a sustainable future, while creating highly skilled jobs for our community members. And with our growth, we will continue to bring up our local businesses and organizations with us. 

We are bringing innovation to Tucson. We are Bayer. 

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