Biotech Updates

BASF and Embrapa Submit Biotech Soybean for Approval

February 6, 2009

BASF and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Brazil’s public agricultural research corporation linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, announced that they have submitted their herbicide-tolerant soybean for regulatory approval to the Brazilian Biosafety Commission (CTNBio). The GM soybean variety is expected to be available to Brazilian farmers from 2011 onward. Brazil is the world’s second-largest soybean producer and the largest exporter.

The cooperation between BASF and Embrapa dates back to 1997. Bayer provided Embrapa with herbicide tolerance genes which the Brazilian company introduced to soybean among other crops. "This public-private partnership illustrates the capabilities of Brazil in agricultural biotechnology. Embrapa pursues various technologies in research. And advanced biotechnology, conducted according to principles of sustainability, brings results that allow us to be pioneers in meeting the challenges of generating wealth and well-being," said Silvio Crestana, Director-President of Embrapa.

The press release is available at http://www.basf.com/group/pressrelease/P-09-112