Investments in technologies and production facilities span decades, though, and cost millions if not billions. Stable frameworks which make it possible to plan on such timescales are therefore essential to Bayer. This requires a broad and general acceptance of safe new technologies within societies.

While very few people object to medicine created by biotechnology, the benefits of green biotechnology in plants have yet to be accepted by European societies. Europe still rejects imports of green biotechnology products that are common in the rest of the world. People also have reservations on nanotechnology, which is successfully used in electronics, alternative energy and medicine. Potential health risks are investigated thoroughly. In food production, crop protection makes an important contribution to reducing hunger in the world and improving the quality of food.