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Limburgerhof, Germany
July 11, 2001
BASF expands its U.S. seed development platform
- Forms new subsidiary: BASF AgGenetics LLC
- Establishes breeding cooperative that covers the corn-belt
BASF Plant Science
announced today that it has formed a new subsidiary, called BASF
AgGenetics LLC, that will work closely with a number of
established U.S. breeding companies to enlarge the available
corn germplasm pool and to significantly enhance the development
of new proprietary inbred lines in the United States.
At this time, the cooperation includes more than a dozen
experienced and successful corn breeders managing over 100 test
locations. All breeding stations are well situated in the key
regions of the U.S. corn-belt and have a proven record of
developing competitive inbred lines covering a diverse
geography.
"By working in close cooperation with established U.S.
breeding companies, BASF will be able to gain immediate access
to successful regionally adapted corn germplasm,'' states Dr.
Hans Kast, President of BASF Plant Science. "Furthermore, as we
combine elite germplasm, plant biotechnology and the tremendous
breeding know-how of our partners with genomics research and
advanced breeding technologies, BASF Plant Science is creating a
powerful platform for the development and commercialization of
novel corn products in the U.S.''
In 2000, BASF acquired ExSeed Genetics LLC, a plant
biotechnology and genetics company in the United States. A
frontrunner in bringing nutritionally enhanced corn traits to
market under its brand name NutriDense®, ExSeed operates a
research organization on the campus of the Iowa State
University. Its strong pipeline in starch technology research
includes innovations for the use of starch in food and
industrial applications.
About BASF
BASF Plant Science encompasses the technology and seed
platforms and activities for the BASF global plant biotechnology
effort. Its research is focused on developing second and third
generation innovative products, including plants with improved
cold and drought tolerance and plants that provide healthier
nutrition (e.g., provide higher vitamin content, or higher
levels of healthier oils). With headquarters in Limburgerhof,
Germany, BASF Plant Science has major subsidiaries in Germany
(Metanomics, SunGene), Sweden (Plant Science Sweden), Canada
(DNA LandMarks) and the United States (BASF Plant Science LLC,
ExSeed Genetics LLC and BASF AgGenetics LLC). BASF's goal is to
be among the leaders in plant biotechnology by 2010. To this
end, it will be investing more than 700 million Euro in research
in this field over the next ten years.
BASF is a transnational chemical company that aims to
increase and sustain its corporate value through growth and
innovation. The company’s product range includes high-value
chemicals, plastics, colorants and pigments, dispersions,
automotive and industrial coatings, agricultural products and
fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. BASF's
approach to integration, known in German as "Verbund," is one of
its particular strengths, ensuring cost leadership and a unique
competitive advantage. With sales in 2000 of about Euro 36
billion (circa USD 34 billion) and a workforce of 103,000
employees, BASF is one of the world's leading chemical
companies. BASF acts in accordance with the principles of
Sustainable Development. BASF shares are traded on the stock
exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and New York (BF).
The company’s Internet address is
www.basf.com.
Company news release
N3643 |
