As a global chemical company, BASF has been a major player in the field of agricultural innovation for many years. In its ongoing efforts to provide farmers with the tools they need to overcome the many challenges that are faced by farmers in modern agriculture industry, BASF has presented its latest advancements in crop protection, seeds and traits, and digital solutions. With a keen focus on improving outcomes for major regional crops, including soy, fruits and vegetables, and rice, BASF is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that can help farmers navigate changing regulatory requirements and rising consumer expectations.
The value of BASF's innovation pipeline remains strong, with an estimated peak sales potential of more than $8.16 billion, driven by products set to launch within the next 10 years. Let’s take a look at BASF’s innovation pipeline that aims to disrupt the agriculture industry.
Weed Control Innovation for Farmers in Europe and America
BASF is spearheading weed management solutions in North and Latin America by combining innovative traits, new farming technologies, and advanced herbicide modes of action in major crops like soybean. These solutions promote climate-smart and eco-friendly farming practices like minimum tillage and efficient use of crop protection chemistries.
BASF's new L-glufosinate ammonium (L-GA) Active herbicide formulation significantly reduces the amount of active ingredient needed, saving operating costs and contributing to more sustainable distribution and application methods than current solutions. The new L-GA formulation is expected to be available in the mid-decade in the U.S.
Tirexor Active is a new fast-acting Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibiting herbicide that controls weeds resistant to other PPO inhibitors. It had modest use rates, but after being approved in Australia in 2020 and Canada in 2022, it witnessed significant customer adoption. It is expected to be introduced to soybean farmers in Argentina in 2024 and in the U.S. in 2025. The herbicide will be expanded to different crops and Latin American countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
To enable aggressive weed management in soybean, BASF is also creating a second PPO herbicide and a corresponding herbicide tolerance gene. This gene will be integrated into a novel pesticide tolerance trait created by Corteva. With this gene, farmers will now have more freedom to use PPO herbicides to manage weeds when applying them heavily. Early in the 2030s, this multi-generational soybean trait pipeline collaboration is anticipated to be accessible in seed varieties.
BASF is in the final stages of developing a completely new herbicide mode of action to help support resistance management. As part of its partnership with Corteva, BASF is creating the equivalent herbicide tolerance trait for soybeans. Long into the 2040s, this long-term strategy will offer competitive options to soybean farmers. Leading soybean seeds from BASF and Corteva will give farmers access to this cutting-edge genetic technology.
BASF is also launching unparalleled weed management solutions for farmers in Europe. One of these solutions is the SMART SPRAYING SOLUTION by Bosch BASF Smart Farming, which is commercially available for corn, sunflower, sugar beet, and soybean crops. This technology promotes more efficient use of herbicides and is accessible to farmers through a partnership with German-based agricultural machinery manufacturer Dammann, initially in Germany and Hungary. Bosch BASF Smart Farming is working on additional partnerships and field trials in Europe, with plans for continued commercial launches within the 2023/2024 season.
Smart farming solutions such as these have the potential to boost agricultural output, lessen manual work, and lower carbon footprint. Thus, increased adoption of digital technologies and integration of existing processes is expected to drive the market for smart farming.
According to the BIS Research analysis, the global smart farming market was valued at $15.06 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $33.0 billion in 2027, following a CAGR of 16.99% during 2022-2027.
Innovations for European Fruit and Vegetable Farmers
With the help of seed breeding, chemistry, and digital innovations, BASF hopes to increase the quality and taste of fruits and vegetables while lowering food loss and waste in Europe. A few innovative products are mentioned as follows:
• BASF is launching a new insecticide active ingredient, Axalion Active, in 2023 in Asia Pacific, with additional registrations to follow in Europe and Latin America. It is a new class of chemistry with a new mode of action that works harmoniously with beneficial and pollinators while controlling a broad spectrum of damaging pests that have developed resistance to existing chemistries.
• Beginning in 2023, BASF plans to introduce Revysol Active for fruits, veggies, and rice. The Revyona formulation offers a high degree of control of powdery mildew, scab, and numerous other diseases in tree fruits, grapes, and potatoes while maintaining the exceptional performance and favorable regulatory profile of Revysol.
• BASF's vegetable seeds business developed Sunions, the first tearless onion variety. These onions have been available throughout France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. since 2022.
Conclusion
BASF is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for farmers in Europe through a combination of chemistry, biotechnology, and digitalization. Its latest suite of integrated solutions for smart farming, including weed management, insecticide, and disease control, aims to improve crop yield, reduce food loss and waste, and enhance the quality and flavor of fruits and vegetables. With its industry-leading weed-control pipeline, BASF is demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach that balances the needs of farmers, society, and the environment. The company's commitment to leveraging its expertise in chemistry and environmental sciences with cutting-edge biotechnology and digitalization approaches is expected to bode well for the future of sustainable agriculture.
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