Bayer CEO says the company is 'here to stay' in St. Louis region

ST. LOUIS – Bayer CEO Bill Anderson on Friday said the company's St. Louis agriculture operation is "here to say," as the German conglomerate conducts internal cost-cutting, faces questions about its future, and tries to overcome liabilities and payouts tied to its Roundup weed killer.

While Bayer's challenges throughout recent years have fueled concern about whether the company will break apart, Anderson said that the company is focused on strengthening itself over the medium-term future, while increasing its investment in St. Louis — the hub of its North American crop science division.

"We have really amazing scientists here that are working on novel plant genetics (and) on novel biotech traits," said Anderson. "Our core scientists in our plant technologies are in St. Louis. And that's here to stay. And so, for example, we're investing $100 million in new capital in those R&D facilities, in greenhouses and labs. ... We're sort of doubling down on that here."

The strategy is part of a tightrope that Anderson and Bayer are navigating, as the company looks to trim its workforce and slash costs, while also racing to bring new crop-related products to market.

Anderson billed many products in the company's pipeline as urgent needs, amid ever-evolving threats to crops from weeds, pests, disease and other challenges.

This story will be updated.

Energy and environment