Bayer says Ukraine farmers progress with planting despite war

　　div classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodivpFRANKFURT Reuters – Farmers in Ukraine have made betterthanexpected progress preparing their fields so far despite Russia‘s attack on the country, the world’s largest supplier of seeds and crop chemicals, Bayer, said on Tuesday.p

　　p“Not only us but all companies that operate in the agricultural inputs area have gone out of their way in order to make sure that they can supply in Ukraine,” Bayer Chief Executive Werner Baumann told analysts in a call after the release of firstquarter results.pdivdivdiv classBodysc17zpet90 cdBBJodiv

　　p“Quite a bit of planting has actually happened, which I think, given the circumstances, is good news,” the CEO added.p

　　pThe head of Bayers crop science unit, Rodrigo Santos, specified that Farmers in Ukraine have planted 75 of their crops so far this season.p

　　pBayers major rivals in seeds and pesticides include Corteva, Syngenta and BASF. p

　　pPrices of agricultural commodities like corn and soy have surged globally amid concern that the fallout from Russias attack on Ukraine will disrupt farming there as both countries are major grains exporters. p

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　　pp Reporting by Ludwig Burger Editing by Paul Carrelp

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