The American branch of Bayer Crop Science, a manufacturer of plant protection products, is considering introducing a new way of selling plant protection products in the United States. If a product does not do what it promises, the grower will receive a refund, according to a report from a Crop Science Summer Technology Showcase that was held this summer.
Whether a product does not work properly, must be evident from data. Data with which Bayer has been experimenting for some time. Since last year, growers have been advised on the basis of data which seed is best for them to buy.
In the 'sales experiment' the grower should receive money back based on data. If the manufacturer claims a certain percentage increase in harvest and that does not materialize, then the difference in yield will be reimbursed by Bayer, apart from the fine print of course.
The intention is that growers can test products more easily with this sales method. Whether it will actually come to that still depends on solving a number of complex issues.