News Release

October 1, 2020 - The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America are pleased to announce the 2020 Bayer Diversity Fund in collaboration with Bayer CropScience and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

This fund offers the opportunity for approximately 200 undergraduate students, graduate students and early career professionals from underrepresented groups to attend the all-virtual “Translating Visionary Science to Practice” 2020 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting to be held November 9-13, 2020. In addition to the scientific sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate student programs, live round-table discussions with other scientists, live Q&A, poster sessions, and a graduate school forum.

In addition to complimentary registration, recipients will receive one year of membership with the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America and MANRRS to foster the continuation of relationships developed during the meeting.

The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in STEM careers. “This collaboration with MANRRS and generous support from the Bayer Diversity Fund will help us grow together in supporting many people from under-represented groups throughout our annual meeting,“ says Nicholas J. Goeser, PhD, CEO. “We hope this professional development assistance will support the recipients in fully connecting, participating and offering their unique contributions to advance agronomy, crop and soil sciences.”

“As a global leader in agriculture, we at Bayer recognize the value of a diverse workforce and are proud to play a part in investing in the bright minds who are often underrepresented in our industry,” says Giovanni Piccinni, ASA Board of Directors Industry Representative and Global Production Optimization and Sustainability Lead at Bayer Crop Science . “We want to support these students and early career scientists and provide an opportunity to develop new skills and connections through participation in professional meetings. Bringing together diverse perspectives and ideas can make the entire agriculture industry stronger.”

MANRRS is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to promote academic and professional advancement by empowering minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. “MANRRS is committed to building Communities of Learning, and this collaborative initiative with Bayer and the Tri-Societies helps us achieve this goal,” says Ebony Webber, COO for MANRRS.  “By linking hands with organizations focused on advancing the sciences in agriculture, MANRRS hopes to help increase representation of minorities pursuing careers in food, agriculture, natural resources and STEM-related disciplines.”

For information about the fund and to apply, visit surveymonkey.com/r/YHBPNJ9, or contact Susan Chapman, Director of Member Services, at schapman@sciencesocieties.org.

The fund is facilitated by the Agronomic Science Foundation.