February 6, 2010

BASF's GM soy gets Brazilian approval

A herbicide-tolerant soy jointly developed BASF and Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Cooperation, has been approved by the Brazilian Biosafety Technical Commission (CTNBio).

CTNBio said the GM soy meet the standards and the bio-safety law for the environment and agriculture, as well as human and animal health. This decision will allow BASF and Embrapa to bring the new production system with the brand name Cultivance to Brazilian farmers. Both companies are now seeking the approval for this technology in key export markets, such as China and the US.

Cultivance is the first GM crop developed in Brazil, from laboratory to commercialisation. The Cultivance Production System combines herbicide-tolerant soy varieties with BASF's broad-spectrum imidazolinone class of herbicides, tailored to regional conditions.

Cultivance technology will offer farmers a new production system that effectively manages a broad spectrum of weeds. Designed for post emergence application, Cultivance herbicides provide farmers with convenience and flexibility to apply the herbicide as needed to control weeds during the first few weeks of crop growth. A single application provides season-long control of both broad leaf and grass weeds, including those difficult to control. Farmers will also enjoy logistical and environmental benefits. Fewer herbicide applications per hectare will reduce the use of machinery and labour, reducing costs for growers as well as the release of CO2 into the environment.
 

The Cultivance Production System will be launched in Brazil from 2011-2012 season onwards. Additionally, there is a significant interest in developing this technology adjusted to local needs of neighbouring countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. The partner companies are working to meet the requirements of the regulatory authorities in these countries and the approval could be obtained as early as two years after the Brazilian market launch.
 

BASF is the world's leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas.