Positive Vote for Four BASF Crop Protection Compounds

15-08-2008: The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health greenlighted four BASF pesticides following the positive assessment of the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). Among the compounds are the fungicides epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph, two cornerstones in BASF's Crop Protection portfolio. Adoption and publication of the decisions by the European Commission is expected before the end of this year.

"We are very pleased that the EU Member States have given these active ingredients a positive vote," said Klaus Welsch, who heads BASF's Crop Protection business in Europe. "Products with these active ingredients are critical for securing yields in Europe, especially cereal yields. The decision gives BASF the assurance it needs to continue investing in next-generation products with these compounds, helping farmers improve yields and providing consumers with an abundance of safe, affordable food."

In addition to epoxiconazole and fenpropimorph, the pipeline herbicide tritosulfuron and the growth regulator mepiquat chloride were given a yes vote by the EU Member States following a positive evaluation by its scientific arm, the EFSA.