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October 24, 2016

BASF supports fruit, vegetable and row crop farmers with new AgSolution Farm Naruto in Chiba, Japan

  • AgSolution farm will conduct trials under actual conditions to meet local farmers’ needs
  • Operations to start in January 2017

Tokyo, Japan – October 24, 2016 – BASF will open AgSolution Farm Naruto, a new agricultural solution research farm for crop protection products, in Sanmu, Chiba. This new facility is located in the Kanto region, a major production area for fruit and vegetables. It will enable BASF to conduct field trials under actual farming conditions, and therefore provide tailored agricultural solutions and better technical service to the farmers. The AgSolution Farm Naruto will start its operations in January 2017.  

“The word ‘AgSolution’ blends the two words ‘agriculture’ and ‘solution’. This name expresses our commitment to creating innovative solutions to tackle various challenges in agriculture. To respond quickly to the needs of local growers, we locate our AgSolution Farms for research and development in close proximity to farmers. We believe that the new farm will help us develop better products for Japanese growers,” said Leandro Martins, Business Area Director, Japan and Korea, Crop Protection, BASF Japan.  

The new AgSolution farm is an integral part of BASF’s long-term strategy to increase agricultural productivity and build local knowledge together with key distributors, grower groups, technical experts and government organizations.

“BASF has developed new products and services based on feedback from growers. By establishing the AgSolution Farm in the Kanto Region, we will improve our understanding of the challenges farmers are facing. We will get closer to farmers, work to provide better services and contribute to the productivity of farmers,” Martins added.

The AgSolution Farm Naruto will be located on the land of the Chiba Branch of the Japan Association for Advancement of Phyto-Regulators. In the context of opening the AgSolution Farm Naruto, the Tahara Agricultural Station in Aichi Prefecture will be closed at the end of December 2016.

BASF offers a broad portfolio for specialty crops, fungicides such as Naria® WDG and Signum® WDG, herbicides such as Gogosan® EC Cactus/2FG INERT, and insecticides such as Cascade® EC and Prince® flowable. Additionally, BASF is now developing and registering new herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that provide farmers with new technologies to control weeds, diseases and pests. A robust product portfolio and array of technical services will further strengthen the leading position of BASF in the agricultural industry.

About BASF’s Crop Protection division

With sales of more than €5.8 billion in 2015, BASF’s Crop Protection division provides innovative solutions for agriculture, turf and ornamental plants, pest control and public health. Our broad portfolio of active ingredients, seed treatments, biological controls, formulations and services optimizes efficient production of high quality food and protects against post-harvest loss, damage to buildings and the transmission of disease. By delivering new technologies and know-how, BASF Crop Protection supports the effort of growers and pest management professionals to make a better life for themselves and society. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or on our social media channels.

About BASF in Japan   

BASF started doing business in Japan in 1888.  Activities cover four business segments including chemicals, performance products, functional materials & solutions and agricultural solutions. The main production sites are in Chigasaki (admixtures for concrete, construction materials), Kitatone (personal care ingredients), Totsuka (coatings), and Yokkaichi (thermoplastic polyurethanes and polymer dispersions). Admixture plants for the Construction Chemicals division are also located nationwide. BASF maintains a strong research and development presence in Japan including the BASF Asia Composite Center, established in the Yokohama Innovation Center (engineering plastics), and the Research and Development Laboratory and Application Technology Center for Battery Materials in Amagasaki. As of the end of 2015, BASF employed 1,209 employees in Japan, and achieved sales of about €1.5 billion to customers in Japan.  For further information please visit:  www.basf.com/jp.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 112,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of more than €70 billion in 2015. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information at  www.basf.com.

Last Update October 24, 2016