Agriculture & Food Security

Konan will oversee Bayer’s activities across markets where farmers seek improved access to seeds, crop-protection products, and technical support.

The program targets a 30% increase in rice, maize, and wheat yields, while cassava yields should rise by 35%.

The initiative has grown from a company-led sourcing project into a wider agricultural programme involving more than 1,200 farmers committed to sustainable wheat cultivation practices across Europe.

The organization estimates that as many as 266 million people worldwide face acute food insecurity, while WFP supports more than 100 million people across 83 countries.

The initiative combines artificial intelligence, multiplex genome editing, precision breeding, and automated phenotyping to develop resilient corn traits that can withstand severe climate conditions while maximizing yield potential and input efficiency.