BASF Canada announced today the addition of four new seed cultivars to the CLEARFIELD® canola portfolio,
including two new hybrid and two new open-pollinated varieties. Each of these cultivars will be available for the 2007-growing season.

“These new varieties are important additions to our CLEARFIELD Production System for Canola as they give growers access to some of the best genetics in the industry, in combination with BASF’s top-performing weed control solutions,” says Scott Chapman, CLEARFIELD Brand Manager for BASF.

In trials this summer, the new CLEARFIELD hybrid cultivars - 45P70 from Proven Seed and 45H73 from Pioneer Hibred - performed exceptionally well, each yielding 119% of the checks. In addition, each of these hybrids offers early-to-mid season maturity and is resistant to both blackleg and Fusarium wilt.

The two new open-pollinated varieties also boast strong agronomic characteristics. Variety SP Force CL from Saskatchewan Wheat Pool is a medium-tall, open-pollinated variety that offers mid-season maturity and yielded 105% of checks. Variety 5843 CL from DSV is one of few open pollinated varieties to rate “excellent” in terms of its lodging resistance. It is also medium-tall and offers mid-season maturity.

CLEARFIELD Nexera varieties from Dow AgroSciences are also available for 2007, offering growers the opportunity to earn premiums for the canola’s high oleic and low linoleic properties. Two additional CLEARFIELD Nexera varieties are currently under development and may also become available for this growing season.

No matter which CLEARFIELD canola cultivar growers seed, they can select one of three broad-spectrum herbicides from BASF to control weeds in their crop. ODYSSEY®, ABSOLUTE® and SOLO™ each offer the convenience and financial benefits of one application while allowing growers to choose the amount of residual for their farm.

“Each of the CLEARFIELD canola seed options offers a different path to profit – whether hybrid yields, optimized input costs or premiums,” says Chapman. “It’s just a matter of determining the right fit for your farm based on your unique agronomic situation and marketing needs.”

The newest CLEARFIELD canola cultivars will be carried by retailers across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For more information on CLEARFIELD canola, growers can contact their local BASF Business Representative or call AgSolutions® by BASF at 1-877-371-2273.

With sales of €3,298 million in 2005, 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 crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. 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. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent system solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 94,000 employees and posted sales of more than €42.7 billion (approximately $50.4 billion) in 2005. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Always read and follow label directions.
® CLEARFIELD, ODYSSEY and ABSOLUTE are registered trademark of BASF.
™ SOLO is a trademark of BASF Canada Inc.