Bayer CropScience AG has signed an agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to improve wheat breeding and generate new wheat varieties.

The agreement is expected to give Bayer access to the university's wheat germplasm, allowing Bayer to establish its first North American wheat breeding station near Lincoln, Neb.

"We recognize the expertise that has gone into developing U.N.L.'s breeding program and the opportunities this agreement gives both partners to strengthen their activities in improving wheat," said Joachim Schneider, head of the BioSciences Business Group at Bayer.

"This agreement represents another important step for Bayer in achieving its goal to offer innovative solutions from seed to harvest for sustainable cereal production. Undoubtedly, this partnership will result in exciting advances in wheat productivity by both parties that will benefit farmers and the grain trade worldwide."