Research and Development

Our research and development activities are aligned with our strategic crop systems to support our customers’ success with innovations. In 2020, we spent €840 million on research and development in the Agricultural Solutions division, representing around 11% of the segment’s sales. Our well-stocked innovation pipeline comprises novel seeds and traits, new chemical and biological crop protection products, new formulations and digital solutions to be launched between 2020 and 2030. With a peak sales potential¹ of more than €7.5 billion, our innovation pipeline has an even stronger focus on sustainable solutions – enabled by a research and development process that is driven by sustainability criteria. We innovate to create new business opportunities for farmers and for BASF by developing solutions that meet the needs of customers and consumers. By 2030, we will launch more than 30 major pipeline projects across all business areas. These will provide sustainable solutions to help farmers achieve better yield in their farm operations and promote healthy eating, balancing economic, environment and societal demands. Research and development activities in the Agricultural Solutions division range from seeds and traits, research and breeding capacities to solutions that protect plants against fungal diseases, insect pests and weeds, and improve soil management and plant health.

Our research and development is based on a global network of research sites, seed production and breeding capacities. It positions us to seize future market opportunities and increase our competitiveness.

Our biotechnology activities and our research and development capabilities comprise advanced breeding techniques, analytics, technology platforms and trait validation. To offer tailor-made, sustainable crop solutions, our research platform on gene identification focuses on plant characteristics that enable higher yields and better quality, disease resistance and tolerance of negative environmental factors, such as drought. We apply state-of-the-art scientific methods, including genetic engineering and selective genome editing. These activities are closely connected to our activities in the field of biotechnology, which are part of BASF’s Bioscience Research division. Corporate research and development expenses, sales, earnings and all other data for BASF’s Bioscience Research division are not reported in the Agricultural Solutions segment; they continue to be reported under Other.