As Manager of Research and Commercial Development at BASF Agricultural Solutions in Canada Wayne Barton oversees the company’s agricultural solutions R&D pipeline from early-stage research to commercialization. Wayne leads a team of research biologists and seasonal staff, working across the organization to bring BASF’s corporate purpose “We create chemistry for a sustainable future” to life.
Wayne is a leading expert on what it takes to bring products – which will truly help Canadian growers – to market. He also represents BASF Canada at global and NAFTA technical meetings to develop and support Canadian projects, and at technical working groups with industry organizations. With more than 20 years of experience in the business of agriculture, Wayne has been responsible for financial and production forecasting, developing new products and coordinating contract research programs for crops, having previously held roles across R&D, marketing and management at BASF. He has a tremendous passion for Canadian agriculture and working to develop the next generation of innovators.
People are the key to everything, from innovation to customer experience. At some point leading projects became more about leading people and developing products became more about the development of relationships and people. Wayne holds a Master of Science in Plant Pathology and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, both from the University of Guelph. He has recently worked towards becoming a certified coach, through the Coaches Training Institute, because it ‘Best Fits my Leadership Style’. Outside of work, Wayne is an avid long-distance runner and cyclist.