BASF and Embrapa’s Cultivance soybeans receive approval for commercial cultivation in Brazil

Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Cooperation, and BASF’s jointly developed herbicide-tolerant soybeans were green-lighted on December 10 by CTNBio. CTNBio, the Brazilian Biosafety Technical Commission stated that the genetically modified soybeans meet the standards and the Biosafety law for the environment and agriculture, as well as human and animal health. This decision will allow BASF and Embrapa to bring the new production system with the brand name Cultivance to Brazilian farmers. Both companies are now seeking the approval for this technology in key export markets, such as China and the U.S.
 
Cultivance is the first genetically modified crop developed in Brazil, from laboratory to commercialization. The approval is the result of more than 10 years of successful cooperation between Embrapa and BASF, a global leader in providing agricultural solutions. The Cultivance Production System combines herbicide-tolerant soybean varieties with BASF’s broad spectrum imidazolinone class of herbicides, tailored to regional conditions.
 
"The approval marks a new era for BASF’s plant biotechnology activities. This is BASF’s first genetically modified crop approved for commercial cultivation”, stated Walter Dissinger, Vice President Crop Protection for BASF in Latin America.  “Our strategy in plant biotechnology is to collaborate with the best partners to bring our superior genes to farmers. And thanks to this successful private-public partnership, farmers will benefit from improved weed control with less resource input, resulting in higher farm productivity.”
 
"The approval of the Cultivance soybean, the first genetically modified crop developed in Brazil, represents our country’s competency in agricultural biotechnology. We are showing the world that we can deliver innovation. Embrapa adopts many technologies in research. We firmly believe that biotechnology, applied in accordance with the principles of sustainability, brings added value to society. It allows Brazilian farmers to have access to advanced technological alternatives, resulting in economical gains whilst being more efficient in maintaining natural resources,” said Pedro Arraes, Managing Director of Embrapa.
 
Cultivance technology will offer farmers a new production system that effectively manages a broad spectrum of weeds. Designed for post emergence application, Cultivance herbicides provide farmers with convenience and flexibility to apply the herbicide as needed to control weeds during the first few weeks of crop growth. A single application provides season-long control of both broad leaf and grass weeds, including those difficult to control. Farmers will also enjoy logistical and environmental benefits. Fewer herbicide applications per hectare will reduce the use of machinery and labor, reducing costs for growers as well as the release of CO2 into the environment.
 
The Cultivance Production System will be launched in Brazil from 2011/2012 season onwards.  Additionally, there is a significant interest in developing this technology adjusted to local needs of neighboring countries in Latin America, including Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. The partner companies are working to meet the requirements of the regulatory authorities in these countries and the approval could be obtained as early as two years after the Brazilian market launch.
 
The partners believe that plant biotechnology is a key for delivering innovative solutions for farmers in the 21st century, which advances sustainable agriculture worldwide.