BASF committed to plant biotechnology

Rick Van Genderen, Director, Global Value Chain Management Feed & Agronomics for BASF told those attending the BASF Innovation Into Action Symposium in Grapevine, Texas Tuesday that crop demand will double in the next twenty years.

Van Genderen said his company is very excited about what they are doing in plant biotech. “BASF believes that we are THE trait technology partner to the seed industry, as a way to bring forward outstanding technology to the grower for U.S. agriculture.”

Van Genderen explains that with growing populations worldwide and increased demand for additional food, BASF is working to bring forward traits to enhance productivity and consistency in yields.

“We really believe that as you look at the population growth and developing world increasing their demand for meat; it is really driving a huge trend toward needing more food.”

This has been happening for a long time, but BASF, explains Van Genderen, does not see this stopping. With a growing population and no more land coming available, Van Genderen said that BASF believes we will have to produce more on each acre.

Plant biotechnology is the number one area for investment for new growth clusters for the entire BASF Company. The primary focus, explained Van Genderen, is in the area of yield and stress traits.

BASF’s plant biotechnology strategy includes developing best traits for the best crops; leading technology platform in gene discovery; product development up to market introduction; and long-term partnerships.

Van Genderen tells Brownfield that BASF is partnering with other companies and with farmers. Understanding the needs of the farmer and the tools he will need to be more productive is central to BASF’s strategy.

No, BASF is not strategizing to go into the seed company, but will continue to be a partner with traits and technologies with other companies and the farmer.

Taking out the long lens, Van Genderen said there are many traits in the works. Enhancing yields and the ability of the plant to manage stress as well as enhancing the nutritional value of the crop are on the horizon.

Brownfield coverage of the BASF Innovation Into Action Symposium is sponsored by: