PARMA, ID – In its ongoing effort to screen pathogens from produce imports, Bayer announced today that it has joined the USDA National Seed Health Accreditation Pilot Program (NSHAPP). Bayer said that it will test all imported breeder, foundation, and commercial seed for cucumbers, melons, and watermelons as part of the pilot program.

“We at Bayer want our customers to know that we are committed to quality in every way,” said Brad Peters, Quality Control Manager at Bayer, in a press release. “Being a part of this pilot means that we are a part of building a better system to minimize phytosanitary risk.” 

The USDA launched NSHAPP in response to a detection of foreign pathogens. The goal of the pilot program is to mitigate phytosanitary risk by partnering with the seed industry and developing a voluntary model of testing and screening for seed-transmitted pathogens.

Bayer’s entrance to the NSHAPP dovetails with the company’s recent efforts to stabilize global banana production. In recent years, banana cultivators have come under threat from Panama Disease, which has been transmitted by soil and water to virtually every banana-producing region in the world. Earlier this week, Bayer showcased its portfolio of products and services to combat the disease at the 6th International Banana Congress in Miami, Florida.  

"Bayer is committed to supporting growers in their fight against this devastating disease," remarked Rolf Christian Becker, Research and Development Portfolio Manager of Horticulture at Bayer. "We have joined forces with other private and public partners in the Panama Disease Consortium. In addition, our scientists work on the development of new anti-fungal substances that can complement the fight against the disease and prevent further spreading."

Bayer said its additional products and services support banana cultivators worldwide include:

• Holistic root health management systems to combat nematodes and soil-borne pathogens
• In Velum™/Verango™ and BioAct™, chemical pest control substances 
• The Food Chain Partnership project to manage contamination risk from the plantation to the pantry
• On-farm consultations from Bayer Crop Specialists 

Stay updated on all the latest efforts to safeguard the global food supply by reading AndNowUKnow.

Bayer USDA