66 Billion Reasons Why Missouri Is The Global Leader In Agtech
- September 14, 2016
One of the largest mergers ever is happening right now in the world of agtech as Bayer and Missouri’s St. Louis-based Monsanto have agreed to a $66 billion definitive merger agreement. The agreement strengthens Missouri’s claim as the global leader in agtech, as the combined business’ global Seeds & Traits and North American commercial headquarters will be located in St. Louis.
Missouri’s agtech gateway is leading the world with innovative technology and research that is transforming agriculture. Big data, smart farming, input optimization, precision agriculture, biologicals, breeding, green chemistry and pharmaceuticals; it’s all growing right here. The use of drones, satellites and data is transforming farming as we know it, and Missouri companies are leading the way in investment and innovation in advanced farming.
“We are entering a new era in agriculture – one with significant challenges that demand new, sustainable solutions and technologies to enable growers to produce more with less,” said Hugh Grant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monsanto. “This combination with Bayer will deliver just that – an innovation engine that pairs Bayer’s crop protection portfolio with our world-class seeds and traits and digital agriculture tools to help growers overcome the obstacles of tomorrow. Together Monsanto and Bayer will build on our proud tradition and respective track records of innovation in the agriculture industry, delivering a more comprehensive and broader set of solutions to growers.”
Missouri is the home of leading agtech organizations, including the Danforth Plant Science Center, ByoZyme, DuPont, BASF, Bunge, Cargill and Synbiotics Corporation. Additionally, Missouri is also home to the corporate headquarters of RaboAgrifinance, part of the Rabobank Group – providing extensive financing and insurance options for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.
Missouri’s crop and livestock diversity, abundant water supply and rich soil provide a solid, statewide foundation to the agtech ecosystem. More than half of the world’s animal health industry is represented in the Kansas City region, and Missouri pet food companies generate more than $30 billion in revenue annually. Also in Missouri, you have access to intellectual capital with agtech research taking place in innovation communities such as Cortex and MIC, as well as leading educational institutions.
With another 66 billion reasons why Missouri is the global leader in agtech the only question is: Are you ready to grow your business here?