^{Joint News Release}
BASF Agricultural Solutions and IRRI extend partnership to further advance sustainable rice cultivation

• First-phase research confirmed practical pathways to reduce methane emissions in rice production
• Second-phase explores soil health, carbon storage and biochar applications

BASF Agricultural Solutions and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have extended their scientific collaboration named “Optimizing Management for Reduction of Greenhouse Gases in Rice” (“OPTIMA Rice”) to further advance sustainable rice cultivation, targeting reductions of methane and other greenhouse gases. Launched in 2024, the project aims to develop solutions that are practical, economically viable for farmers, and supported by evidence from the field. The multi-year collaboration combines BASF’s expertise in bringing sustainable agricultural practices into real-world farming systems with IRRI’s world-leading rice research.

The first phase of OPTIMA Rice showed that letting rice paddies dry out in controlled intervals, known as Alternate Wetting and Drying, enabled through Direct Seeded Rice, can significantly reduce methane emissions and lower water use without compromising yields (see Global Carbon Field Trial Report 2025). This is especially important for farmers who are considering participating in carbon farming programs, as they would need to adjust how they irrigate rice paddies. In addition, improved straw management can further lower methane emissions.

In the next phase, BASF and IRRI will shift their focus to soil health – particularly the role of carbon and nitrogen in the soil. Complementing emission reduction, climate-smart farming must preserve soil health to ensure long-term productivity. The project reflects the need to better understand how changes in water use affect soils over time. Together, the partners will also explore further approaches, such as the use of biochar, which can help store carbon in the soil while improving its fertility and structure.

“Climate-smart rice systems must work on the farm, not just on paper,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability, BASF Agricultural Solutions. “We know that adopting new approaches is not always easy for farmers. It takes trust, support, and proven solutions. By expanding our collaboration with IRRI, we are strengthening the scientific foundation needed to help farmers implement climate-smart rice practices with confidence, while deepening our focus on soils.”

“Rice is a staple food for billions of people and transforming how it is grown is critical for both climate action and sustainable livelihoods for farmers,” said Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI. “Through our continued collaboration with BASF, we are combining scientific rigor with tangible solutions. High-quality evidence and trusted collaborations are key to supporting farmers, protecting the environment and strengthening the global food system.”

While OPTIMA Rice is rooted in field trials in the Philippines, insights from the collaboration are designed to be relevant across major rice-growing regions globally – be it markets like China, India, Japan, Brazil or Italy.

About BASF Agricultural Solutions

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide sufficient and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €990 million in 2025, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, and our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and stakeholders along the value chain. In 2025, our business generated sales of €9.6 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 95,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About IRRI

IRRI is dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through its work and partnerships, IRRI aims to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry.

IRRI is a member of CGIAR, the world’s largest agricultural research partnership dedicated to a food-secure future.