BASF announced today that it has recently been granted a new Canadian patent which supports the company's continued investment in and development of its CLEARFIELD® technology. The patent, which is in effect until 2021, applies to both monocot and dicot plants and specifically protects acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) chemistry and plants that have AHAS tolerance which is not found in conventional plants of the same species.

 "This patent supports our continued investment in technology related to the CLEARFIELD Production System," says Scott Chapman, BASF Canada's CLEARFIELD Business Manager. "BASF is committed to expanding the system and advancing its sustainability for the benefit of Canadian farmers."

The CLEARFIELD Production System combines custom-designed imidazolinone herbicides from the AHAS family of herbicides with advanced seed varieties and hybrids bred to have tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides. The combination of these herbicides and seed has resulted in the development of the CLEARFIELD Production System.

Chapman states further, "All current CLEARFIELD varieties and hybrids are recognized as non-GMO by domestic and international authorities." BASF possesses the world's largest portfolio of non-GMO herbicide tolerant traits and has relationships with over 100 seed companies around the world to support the development and distribution of the CLEARFIELD Production System to meet the local needs and preferences of individual growers.

With sales of (Euro)3,176 million in 2003, BASF's Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides.  Farmers use these products and services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops.  Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants.  BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success.  The vision of BASF's Agricultural Products division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population.

® CLEARFIELD is a registered trademark of BASF.