What do you do when you expect some negative customer feedback? Send out a news release explaining your actions! That’s what BASF did to explain their pursuit of farmers using saved seed from their Clearfield agreements. In this case with a group of Arkansas rice growers. Although I only have the facts stated in the release I think most people would agree that if you enter into an agreement you ought to abide by it. At least that’s what I was always taught.

BASF committed to protecting the CLEARFIELD technology

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (August 9,2005) – BASF is committed to protecting the effectiveness of its CLEARFIELD*
Production System, including wheat, as shown by its pursuit of a stewardship case involving rice in Arkansas. Last spring, the company entered into a consent judgment with a number of northeastern Arkansas rice growers and others, some of whom violated CLEARFIELD rice stewardship agreements by planting saved seed. The company’s action in pursuing the case reflects its interest in safeguarding the CLEARFIELD portfolio, which includes wheat and sunflowers, other crops involving the registered technology, said Jason Ward, CLEARFIELD market manager. “This legal action was necessary to preserve the integrity of the CLEARFIELD Production System for rice for the overwhelming majority of farmers who have appropriately – and legally – used the technology,” he said. “Our position has been explained to growers and is clearly spelled out in the stewardship agreement.

For more information contact Joy Watson.