Bayer has taken a major step toward reshaping weed control in agriculture, announcing that it has submitted regulatory applications for its breakthrough herbicide—Icafolin-methyl—in the European Union, following earlier filings in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Icafolin represents the first new mode of action for post-emergent weed control in broadacre crops in more than 30 years, addressing a pressing need for innovation as herbicide resistance continues to threaten global food security.
The company projects peak annual sales of around €750 million, with a first market launch planned for Brazil in 2028. Other major markets will follow in phases.
A New Weapon Against Resistant Weeds
Weed resistance to herbicides like glyphosate has been escalating worldwide, including in parts of Africa. Resistant weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight—cutting yields and reducing food production. Icafolin provides a much-needed addition to the farmer’s toolbox, complementing existing herbicides while helping to reduce overreliance on a few chemical options.
Mike Graham, Head of R&D at Bayer Crop Science, said:
“Weeds threaten both farmer livelihoods and food security. Innovations like Icafolin are essential for enabling farmers to maintain productivity while protecting soil health.”
Sustainable & Targeted: A Regenerative Tool
Icafolin has been developed for use in soybeans, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, grapes, citrus, nuts, and various fruits. Unlike conventional herbicides that kill weeds quickly, Icafolin causes them to stop growing but remain in the field, forming a natural mulch. This slows down erosion, retains soil moisture, and supports no-till or reduced tillage practices—important components of regenerative agriculture.
Key features include:
- Lower dose rates and targeted spraying, reducing chemical load
- Unique resistance profile, providing control where older herbicides fail
- Mulch effect from non-decaying weeds, boosting soil health
- Expected reduced risk classification in regulatory reviews
Powered by CropKey and AI Innovation
Icafolin is the first product developed using CropKey, Bayer’s new R&D platform that combines artificial intelligence with predictive science to design herbicides based on specific weed biology and environmental impact. This approach accelerates development and tailors products to meet safety, sustainability, and farmer needs from the start.
“We’re not just reacting to current challenges—we’re designing for the future,” said Rachel Rama, Bayer’s Head of Small Molecules. “With AI and CropKey, we’re delivering safer, smarter crop protection faster than ever before.”
Relevance for Africa
While the first launch is set for Brazil, African farmers stand to benefit in later phases. As weed resistance grows and climate change intensifies production challenges, tools like Icafolin could play a key role in helping African countries boost yields sustainably.
Why it matters for Africa:
- Many African farmers struggle with herbicide-resistant weeds in maize, soy, and vegetables
- Icafolin can support climate-smart farming practices, especially in drought-prone regions
- A new herbicide mode of action can extend the lifespan of current herbicides still widely used on the continent
- Improved productivity and soil health can contribute to food security and resilience
