BASF announced its 10-year outlook Innovations in agricultureIt creates food security that will last generations. It also minimizes the negative impact of farming on the environment and the climate. The company’s main focus is on improving agricultural outcomes in major crops like wheat, canola and soybean, corn, cotton and rice, as well as fruits, vegetables, and other crops. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, these crops account more than half of the world’s agricultural land. This is why innovation applied on such large scales has the potential to make farming more productive and sustainable.
BASF continues to innovate within these major crops. The company’s pipeline of seeds and traits, chemical crop protection, seed treatment, and digital farming solutions is constantly updated. Over the next decade, it will launch major pipeline projects in all business areas. With a peak sales potential of over 7.5 billion, the innovation pipeline has a strong value. BASF’s products and solutions are becoming more important to society as the company incorporates sustainability criteria in its agricultural research. It spent approximately 900 million in R&D on the Agricultural Solutions segment in 2021. This represented around 11% of its sales. BASF will continue investing in high-quality research and development of agricultural innovations in 2022.
The company’s focus is on selected crop varieties in key regions. However, it tailors its products, technologies, and services to help farmers grow their crops even in harsh environmental conditions. Innovation in agriculture is crucial to ensure sustainable food production. Dr. Livio Tedeschi is President of BASF Agricultural Solutions. He said that we need to find the right balance between higher yield yield and production methods that are sustainable, meet future needs, and have minimal impact on the environment. Our innovations allow for more productive and sustainable farming. These key levers have been identified by the United Nations and are incorporated in their Agricultural Solutions. Sustainable Development Goals. This is what we at BASF Agricultural Solutions have made a priority of and are committed to. Clear and quantifiable targets to increase sustainable agriculture by 2030.
We have built a broad portfolio over the past decade that leverages all technologies necessary for a more sustainable future in agriculture, stated Dr. PeterEckes, President R&D and Regulatory at BASF Agricultural Solutions. Our research for agricultural solutions is a trusted innovation partner that provides stability in a changing world. It allows farmers to increase their yield and reduce the impact of agriculture on natural resources.
Precision Application and Efficient Use of Land Through a Diverse Soybean Innovation Pipeline For North American Farmers
BASF is developing and connecting innovative solutions for North American farmers in the areas of seed, crop protection, and digital solutions. According to the Plant Health Initiative (PHI), soybean yield loss is caused by Soybean Cyst Neomatode (SCN). SCN causes an estimated $1.5 million in economic losses to soybean fields each year in the U.S. BASF has developed a novel trait that will allow soybean farmers to tolerate nematodes. The next step in soybean seed innovation is the Nematode Resistant Soybean trait. It reduces the impact of the pest on yield losses. This new NRS trait technology will help soybean farmers protect their seeds and their yields, allowing them to get the most from every acre.
Smart Spraying reduces weed resistance through the use of specially designed herbicide formulations and optimized rates. This ensures that herbicides are only applied where and when they are needed.
BASF and Bosch have developed Smart Spraying, which combines Bosch’s high-tech camera sensor technology with xarvios agricultural intelligence to control weeds. The technology provides real-time pre- and/or post-emergence weed identification, management and tracking. Smart Spraying reduces the chance of weed resistance through specially developed herbicide formulations and optimized rates. This ensures that herbicide is only applied where and when it is needed. Spot application can reduce herbicide use by up to 70% depending on the field conditions and weed pressure. Smart Spraying will be available in North America and Brazil within the next 18 month.
Paul Rea (Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America), stated that BASF strives towards a positive effect on the environment, society and customers. We use our knowledge, passion and a collaborative approach in helping farmers achieve a better, more sustainable yield. To achieve this goal, tools and technology such the Smart Spraying solution or NRS trait are essential.
