BASF continues its commitment to protecting the effectiveness of its CLEARFIELD® Production System, as demonstrated by the pursuit of a stewardship case involving rice growers in Louisiana.

BASF successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against growers in Kinder, Louisiana, who admitted to farming over 700 acres of CLEARFIELD CL-161 rice without proper authorization from BASF. The order, which was obtained from the U.S. District Court in Louisiana, prevents the growers from planting or selling the harvested rice and from otherwise infringing BASF intellectual property rights in the CLEARFIELD rice technology.

“This injunction was necessary to preserve the integrity and viability of the CLEARFIELD Production System for the
overwhelming majority of rice farmers who have appropriately – and legally – used the technology,” said Jason Ward, CLEARFIELD market manager with BASF.

“Our position has been communicated consistently to growers and is clearly spelled out in the stewardship agreement each grower signs. We believe good stewardship is a win-win situation. We appreciate the commitment of growers in following the agreement, and we will do everything we can to vigorously defend this technology so they get the best possible return on their investment.”

CLEARFIELD® Production Systems are currently available in rice, wheat and sunflowers. Ward encourages growers to read the terms of the stewardship agreement carefully and consult their retailer or BASF representative should they have any questions. The key elements of the stewardship guidelines include not saving seed, practicing good crop rotation, and making two herbicide applications and a follow-up treatment with Beyond® herbicide to control escaped red rice.

CLEARFIELD rice is an herbicide-tolerant production system that offers rice growers broad-spectrum weed control and strong rice hybrids and varieties. ClearpathTM herbicide was recently introduced to the CLEARFIELD Production System for Rice – offering superior control of yield-robbing weeds such as red rice, barnyardgrass, broadleaf signalgrass, Indian and Northern jointvetch, morningglory species, eclipta and hemp sesbania. Newpath® herbicide also provides broad-spectrum weed control and should also be used as part of the two-application herbicide program for CLEARFIELD rice acres.

For more information on the CLEARFIELD Production System and other BASF crop protection products, visit the
BASF Web site at www.agproducts.basf.com.

With sales of €3,354 million in 2004, BASF’s Agricultural Products division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry, providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve yields and quality of agricultural crops. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants. BASF aims to turn knowledge
rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Agricultural Products division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the Web at www.agro.basf.com.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s intelligent solutions and high-value products help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better
future. In 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than €37 billion. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF), and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Always read and follow label directions.
CLEARFIELD, Beyond and Newpath are registered trademarks of BASF.
Clearpath is a trademark of BASF.