BASF Agricultural Products has received approval from Canadian regulatory authorities that supports the introduction of the CLEARFIELD® Production System into confectionary sunflowers in the United States. This latest approval is the final step in a three-step process for CLEARFIELD sunflowers which included approvals by U.S. regulatory authorities of CLEARFIELD sunflower oil for food use in 2003 and approval of CLEARFIELD sunflower meal for feed use in the U.S. earlier in 2005.

“This approval supports the expansion of U.S. production of CLEARFIELD sunflowers to include confectionary sunflowers for the first time,” said Jason Ward, Marketing Manager with BASF. “Specifically, this approval supports the development and introduction of new CLEARFIELD confection sunflower hybrids with our seed partners, the first of which we expect to see available in the United States in 2006.”

Ward notes that the approval by Canadian authorities, in accordance with regulations for plants with novel traits, is important to the continued growth of both the in-the-shell and dehulled sunflower markets. “This approval will create new opportunities to continue the expansion of sunflower acres and markets for those acres,” Ward said,
adding that new CLEARFIELD confection sunflower hybrids are developed to be tolerant to Beyond® herbicide, the herbicide component of the CLEARFIELD Production System for sunflowers.

Beyond is a broad-spectrum, post-emergent herbicide that controls a variety of tough grasses and broadleaf weeds of importance to sunflower growers.

For more information about the CLEARFIELD Production System and Beyond® herbicide, 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.

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CLEARFIELD and Beyond are registered trademarks of BASF.