Glyphosate supplier on track to recover

Pesticide producer Bayer says it is working to ensure farmers continue to have access to glyphosate after a supplier ran into technical problems.

A mechanical failure at a supplier of an ingredient for the popular herbicide was confirmed last month. Bayer said it may have some short-term impact on production of the active ingredient used to manufacture glyphosate-based herbicides.

The global crop chemistry market is already experiencing historically tight supplies due to challenging global trade flows, effects of the global pandemic and other forces which have continued to put pressure on an already tight market.

Bayer said it was working with its customers to help manage supplies and best meet their needs. It added: “Our supplier is on track to restore production – we’ve sourced additional materials and made other mitigation efforts to help best manage this situation.

“We expect the impact to be marginal in terms of our annual glyphosate production.The Roundup branded agriculture herbicide business supply will continue to be managed through the already ongoing supply management efforts.

“In addition, we are monitoring the seasonal demands of glyphosate and will work to balance supply within our commercial regions so farmers will continue to have access to our Roundup products as much as possible.

“With the world’s leading crop protection portfolio, we will continue to work diligently with our customers to address their needs and help them have a successful season.”

A Bayer spokesperson declined to disclose the name of the disrupted supplier or the ingredient in question. The company also declined to comment further on any impact on deliveries to its customers.

Bayer earlier alerted industrial customers using glyphosate to the supply issue, declaring force majeure, which typically suspends a supplier’s contractual liabilities in the wake of disruptions beyond its control.