Bayer to Launch Icafolin-Methyl Herbicide in Australia in 2028
03 October 2025, Sydney: Bayer has announced plans to submit its latest herbicide candidate, icafolin-methyl, for regulatory approval in Australia in 2026, with a potential launch as early as 2028, pending clearance from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
This marks a major step in Bayer’s global crop protection pipeline and reflects the company’s commitment to providing Australian grain growers with innovative weed control solutions. Registration applications for icafolin-methyl are also underway in the European Union, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.
Mode of Action
Icafolin-methyl is the first non-selective knockdown herbicide from the isoxazoline carboxamide class. Its unique chemistry is designed to combat resistant weeds—one of the greatest challenges in modern agriculture. By introducing a new mode of action, the herbicide is expected to relieve pressure on glyphosate and enhance sustainable weed management practices.
Priority One Market Status for Australia
Australia has been designated a “Priority One” market within Bayer’s global herbicide development program, giving local farmers early access to the technology. This priority status stems from the long-standing Herbicide Innovation Partnership (HIP) between Bayer and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
“The HIP has enabled testing of new chemistries under Australian conditions much earlier than usual, ensuring a better fit for growers,” said Warren Inwood, Managing Director, Bayer Crop Science ANZ. “We are working towards a 2026 submission, targeting a 2028 launch, subject to regulatory approvals.”
Tackling Resistance Costs
Weed resistance costs Australian grain growers an estimated $4.3 billion annually, or around $203 per hectare. According to GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart, the arrival of icafolin-methyl could be a critical step in addressing these losses.
“This herbicide will be a valuable addition to knockdown and burndown programs,” Hart said. “By helping manage resistance, it supports long-term productivity and sustainability for growers.”
Innovation Through HIP
The Herbicide Innovation Partnership, established in 2015, has positioned Australian farming systems at the forefront of Bayer’s global herbicide R&D. Beyond new product development, HIP has supported post-doctoral research programs in Germany, building scientific capacity while tailoring future herbicide innovations to local conditions.
Several candidates developed under HIP are also moving through Bayer’s global pipeline, with ongoing field trials both in Australia and overseas.
If approved, icafolin-methyl will make Australia one of the first markets worldwide to access this new chemistry.
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