In a joint effort, Bayer and Microsoft have recently unveiled a cloud-based solution targeted at the agri-food industry. This solution boasts an extensive collection of agricultural data, allowing customers to develop their own digital agricultural solutions and products without the need to start from scratch.

Bayer's introduction of AgPowered Services, combined with Microsoft's Azure Data Manager for Agriculture, aims to provide readily available capabilities for businesses and organizations, ranging from startups to global enterprises. These capabilities can be licensed and utilized for internal or customer-oriented digital solutions.

However, as Bayer and Microsoft expand their presence in the agricultural market with these cloud-based solutions, concerns arise about the increasing control these companies exert over various industries. The consolidation of power in the hands of a few large corporations raises questions about competition, diversity, and potential implications for farmers and other stakeholders. As the trend continues, it becomes crucial to monitor and assess the potential consequences of such market dynamics.