BASF and Embrapa’s Biotech Soybeans on Track for Brazilian Market Launch from 2011 Onward

The herbicide-tolerant soybean is the first genetically modified product developed with BASF and Embrapa-owned technology to be available on the Brazilian market. The package includes herbicide tolerant genes supplied by BASF, which Embrapa’s scientists inserted into soybean.

02/02/09 BASF and Embrapa, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária have announced that the organizations’ jointly developed herbicide-tolerant soybean has been submitted for regulatory approval to CTNBio – the Brazilian Biosafety Commission. Embrapa is Brazil’s public agricultural research corporation linked to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The proposed commercial release of genetically modified soybeans tolerant to herbicides was reported in the Brazilian Federal Newspaper (‘Diario Oficial da União’).

The herbicide-tolerant soybean is the first genetically modified product developed with BASF and Embrapa-owned technology to be available on the Brazilian market. The package includes herbicide tolerant genes supplied by BASF, which Embrapa’s scientists inserted into soybean. Embrapa developed new commercial varieties that are now submitted for regulatory approval in Brazil. The cooperation between the two companies dates back to 1997.
 
“BASF and Embrapa are providing a technology developed in Brazil for Brazilian soybean growers – the number one soybean exporter and its second-largest producer,” said Walter Dissinger, Crop Protection Vice President for BASF in Latin America. “Growers will benefit from better weed control with less resource input, resulting in higher farm productivity.”
 
"This public-private partnership illustrates the capabilities of Brazil in agricultural biotechnology. We are showing the world our ability to generate innovation, crucial in today’s society. 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.
 
This herbicide tolerant technology provides farmers an alternative weed control system that effectively manages a broad spectrum of weeds, including those difficult to control today. The technology reduces the amount of herbicide per hectare needed to control weeds, and maximizes the availability of water and nutrients for the soybeans. This low-use rate system will also help farmers plan and manage soybean weed control, reducing the consumption of agricultural resources in the field. This means less use of machinery and equipment, as well as less effort to farmers and labor specialist.
 
Embrapa and BASF are preparing to make available in Brazil the first seeds with the new technology from the 2011 growing season onwards. Additionally, there is significant interest from other bordering countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, in the development of this technology for their soybean varieties.