Bayer reaches $1M in EIFG contributions

Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience, has reached the $1 million level in support of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic arm of the GCSAA. Bayer has been supporting the EIFG since 1998 and is the fourth company or individual to reach the $1 million milestone with the EIFG.

Bayer was formally recognized for its support of EIFG at the 2015 Golf Industry Show in San Antonio. It reached the milestone with a recent contribution to the Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program.

The Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow program aims to advance plant health research and education for GCSAA superintendents. As part of Bayer’s commitment, the company has agreed to invest a percent of revenue from StressGard FT product sales each year for three years — a minimum commitment of $300,000 over three years. The Healthy Turf, Healthy Tomorrow initiative includes programs such as the Plant Health Academy, scholarships and webinars.

“We are delighted that Bayer continues to see real value in the EIFG partnership that is dedicated to education, advocacy and environmental initiatives to benefit the long term health of the golf industry,” says Rhett Evans, GCSAA’s chief executive officer. “Without the support of Bayer and our industry partners, critical education programs and research would not be possible.”

Bayer supported the “Investing in the Beauty of Golf” capital campaign from 1998-2002 and has continued to support education for superintendents by contributing a total of 70 individual grants for expenses-paid trips to the annual Golf Industry Show. The company also heavily supports the EIFG’s annual fundraising silent auction.

“Bayer is honored to support the EIFG and all that it does for superintendents and the future health of the game of golf,” says David Wells, golf business manager for Bayer. “We strive to provide the highest caliber professional development opportunities to help golf course superintendents, distributors and other turf professionals continue to succeed in their roles.”

Bayer CropScience is also a Gold Partner donor to the GCSAA, helping to fund GCSAA education programs, webinars, scholarships, leadership opportunities and publications dedicated to golf industry professionals – a minimum investment of $300,000.