BASF 
BASF embraces GM
Dr Hans-Kast,
president and CEO of BASF Plant Science
At a recent press conference in Berlin, BASF outlined its belief in
technology that offers such a vast potential for
solving the world’s problems”.
GM for solving world food problems, reports Simon Varcoe
There is, of course, a handsome reward for
any company able to enter the new industry.
‘N
ot just high-tech, but the level of production. Ag biotech is seen, certainly BASF itself achieved sales of approximately
highest tech’. This was how
by such companies as BASF, as the way forward. €350 million in 2006 from products partially or
Peter Oakley, a member of the
Dr Hans Kast, president and CEO of BASF Plant completely manufactured using biotechnology.
board of executive directors at
Science has said that “biotechnology is the only By 2025, the annual market potential of the
BASF, described ag biotech at a press conference
held at BASF Plant Science’s metanomics
facility in Berlin on 24 October. And the
highest technology needs the highest level of
commitment from a company hoping to make
full use of it. Such a commitment has been
made by BASF Plant Science, founded in 1998,
that in the period 2006-2008 is investing €400
million in the expansion of plant biotechnology.
When asked why it has decided to enter the
ag biotech market, BASF made clear its belief
that global pressures on agriculture will bring
numerous ecological problems to the planet
and economic benefits to those who are able to
solve them. Rising populations, less arable land
per capita, increasing demand for renewable
energy sources, and the resultant increases in
the price of wheat and maize have meant that
more efficient and more advanced agricultural
Horticulturalists Desta Wossenie and Olaf Woiwode check mature
techniques are needed to ensure a sustained
plants shortly before the seeds are harvested
www.agrow.com  •   December 2007 3
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