BASF and Monsanto Collaborate on Developing High Yielding and Stress-Tolerant Crops

Biotechnology companies BASF Plant Science and Monsanto have announced the expansion of their collaboration in developing higher-yielding and stress-tolerant crop by adding wheat in their extensive research. Furthermore, they have also increased their investment by over $1 billion, over the initial combined budget of $1.5 billion. This joint project started in 2007, with focus on corn, soy, cotton and canola.

"Our yield and stress collaboration with BASF already has brought forth so many promising leads, the first of which we'll see on farm in coming years with our first-generation drought-tolerant corn. When I look at the promise Monsanto's unmatched pipeline holds, and the potential for the discovery work in progress at both our companies, this announcement is excellent news for farmers around the world," said Robb Fraley, Monsanto's chief technology officer.

See BASF's press release at http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-10-350.