Limburgerhof, Germany and Chicago, USA – June 5, 2012 – BASF today presented its crop protection and plant biotechnology pipelines and outlined plans to globalize agricultural research activities as part of its “We create chemistry” strategy. The company also released initial results of a new AgBalanceTM study, which showed a 40% rise in the overall sustainability of Iowa corn production between 2000 and 2010. Launched in 2011, AgBalance is BASF’s method for measuring sustainability in agriculture.  “BASF has a strong track record of bringing innovative solutions to farmers,” said Markus Heldt, President of BASF’s Crop Protection division. “This steady stream of innovations is driving the division’s  success.”  At the press conference, BASF showcased pipeline developments  across its many research disciplines. Crop protection highlights included solutions for challenging weed control, such as recently  launched herbicides from the Kixor® family as well as EngeniaTM  herbicide for Dicamba tolerant crop systems, which is expected to be

launched in 2014. Also highlighted were new products from the  Xemium® family, BASF’s next generation carboxamide fungicide, and Initium®, BASF’s latest fungicide for the fast-growing specialty crop segment. Furthermore, BASF explained its new research areas for solutions to better manage resources and plant stress. In the area of plant biotechnology, BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform, which focuses on yield and traits capable of dealing with unfavorable conditions such as drought. Dr. Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science said: “As a ‘Trait Technology Partner’ we join forces with marketleading food and seed companies to bring our products to the market. We provide solutions that deliver ‘more with less’, which will accelerate the sustainable intensification of agriculture.” Commenting

on the expansion program at Research Triangle Park, he added, “The decision to establish our headquarters in North Carolina is driven by the intent to be closer to our main markets and partners.”

Speaking about the globalization of the company’s R&D efforts, Dr. Harald Lauke, President of BASF’s Biological and Effect Systems Research division, said: “Research is not just about lab-based work; it also means developing cross-functional teams to work closely with customers on the ground, in the markets. By 2020, we plan to conduct 50% of all the BASF Group’s research and development activities outside of Europe.” BASF Crop Protection and Plant Science continue to expand their research footprint in the United States and globally. The company recently announced a $33 million expansion program at Research Triangle Park to strengthen research activities in both divisions.

First U.S. AgBalance study on Iowa corn production Initial results from the first U.S. AgBalance study on Iowa corn production reveal how farmers have combined new technologies with best crop management and soil conservation practices to achieve a more than 40% improvement in sustainability over a 10-year period. This accompanied the significant contribution that Iowa corn farmers have made to world food production and the agricultural economy. The overall sustainability score combines a 30% improvement in the economic index, a 33% increase in the environmental quality index and a 57% jump in the social index. The favorable economic development was also due in large part to higher yields and higher farm profit margins and higher yields. The latter were 32% in 2010 compared to 1.3% in 2000. The environmental improvements were due to a combination of factors. These included widespread adoption of conservation tillage programs and an increase in preserved areas. Looking to the social index, the study indicated that farming is increasingly viewed as a professional and attractive career option for young people.

AgBalance is a holistic method developed by BASF to systematically assess sustainability in agriculture. This lifecycle analysis compares farm operations, taking into account three dimensions: environment, society, and economy. Using weighting schemes to evaluate more than 200 factors, AgBalance gives a consolidated sustainability score. In 2011, the tool received independent assurances from three global expert agencies: The TUV SUD, DNV Business Assurance and NSF International.  

About the Crop Protection division

With sales of € 4.1 billion in 2011, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing wellestablished 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 Crop Protection 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 or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/basfagro.

About the Plant Science division

BASF Plant Science – a BASF Group company – is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, about 840 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals.   

BASF Plant Science has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products. Current projects include higher yielding row crops, nutritionallyenhanced corn for animal feed or higher content of specific omega-3’s (EPA/DHA)

in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at ww.basf.com