Former Crop Development Centre Director honoured for contributions to the Canadian pulse industry

University of Saskatchewan professor Rick Holm is being recognized today as the industry’s leading Pulse Promoter of the Year at Pulse Days 2007. Holm was selected as the latest recipient of this prestigious award
because of the numerous contributions he has made to the pulse industry throughout his distinguished
career as a researcher, professor, extension specialist and administrator.

BASF Canada sponsors the annual pulse award, with the selection made by the Board of Directors of the
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG). BASF’s Seed Technology Manager Jeff Bertholet says Holm is very deserving of the Pulse Promoter of the Year award. “Rick’s work, particularly in the area of weed control in lentil, chickpea and bean crops, has contributed directly to improvements in weed management solutions for Canadian pulse growers,” says Bertholet. “BASF is proud to recognize the incredible work of such a high-achieving and widely
respected contributor to our industry.”

“Western Canadian agriculture, and the pulse sector in particular, is better off because of the contributions Rick has made,” says Garth Patterson, Executive Director of SPG. “He was a natural selection for the award when you look at the breadth of his work and his many accomplishments over the years.”

Holm joined the University in 1984 and currently works as a professor in the Department of Crop Science and Plant Ecology teaching weed control and agronomy; he also conducts research into control of weeds in field crops. In 2006 Holm ended his term as Director of the Crop Development Centre where he worked very closely with SPG to strengthen research and breeding programs. In previous roles, Holm has also worked as an Associate Member of the University’s Extension Division. He began his career in Prince Edward Island with the Department of Agriculture, specializing in cereal and forage crops before moving to the Prairies for a role with Federated Co-operatives Ltd. in the mid-1970s. Holm is a multiple industry award winner having been recognized by many of his peers over the years for excellence in agrology, weed and seed science.

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.