Exclusive Interview: How is Seed Treatment by BASF giving every seed the power to do more?

In today’s agricultural landscape, farmers across the globe are working to fulfill the needs of feeding an ever-growing population amid escalating environmental and societal challenges. It’s a job that’s becoming increasingly complex due to evolving threats to crop health, increased resistance to management tools, regulatory changes and the need to improve soil health. So, it’s no secret that the innovation and effectiveness of agricultural products are critical—not only to meet current needs but to pave the way for future sustainability. Central to this endeavor is the advanced science and solutions of seed treatment.

AgroPages spoke with Jonatas Alves, Global Senior Manager of Strategic Marketing, Seed Treatment to discuss how Seed Treatment by BASF looks to their formulations team, broad portfolio, innovation pipeline and training and stewardship practices as the keys to unlock solutions for growers around the world.

What does BASF do to ensure their seed treatment portfolio is meeting the needs of growers? 

It starts with our connection to farmers. Knowing firsthand the specific problems they are facing from pests, diseases and other challenges is the only way we can effectively approach finding the right solutions. Once we understand their unique problems our teams can focus on developing seed treatment formulations designed to both protect and improve the performance of their seeds. And to make sure our treatments are effective from formulation and application, through to storage and planting, our testing protocols are rigorous and thorough to make sure seed germination and plant vigor are never compromised. Our goal is to help protect each farmer’s ever growing seed investment and provide the best chance to bring in maximum yield potential.

Can you give examples of seed treatments that offer solutions to growers?

Our comprehensive portfolio stands out for its innovative and extensive approach that includes insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, biologicals, inoculants, and seed coatings. And we develop and offer in-house solutions in all of these specialized areas, which differentiates us from most of our competitors.

Our high-performing seed treatments such as ILEVO^®, Poncho^® Votivo^®, Teraxxa^® and Standak^® Top are designed to protect seeds and seedlings from a variety of threats including pests, diseases and adverse weather conditions. These treatments are pivotal in enhancing crop resilience and productivity, particularly for key crops like corn, soybeans, cereals, and cotton, across major agricultural regions.

The ability of advanced seed treatments like these resolve complex challenges that growers face in regions throughout the world. And by continuing to innovate and develop tailored solutions, we support the immediate needs of farmers and deliver innovative solutions for their challenges to come.

OFFERING THE BROADEST PORTFOLIO IN THE SEED TREATMENT MARKET:

Can you describe how investment in R&D is a driver for BASF innovation?

Our belief in innovation is deeply rooted in understanding the balance needed for the success of growers, the sustainability of agriculture and the welfare of future generations.

Achieving this balance requires continuous advancement, with a focus on new formulations and improving products. This is why BASF believes so strongly in research and development and strategically supports it with significant annual investment.

The challenges growers are facing around the world continue to evolve and pose new risks. So, there is always a need for us to sustain our investment in R&D so we can bring forward new solutions to tackle the latest problems that pests, diseases and other threats bring to the farm.

How does BASF’s global presence enable you to better meet the challenges growers are facing?

With research and development teams and production sites across six continents, we have the power to capitalize on our global network to address grower problems at the local level. Our team is then able to collaborate across our network to connect global insights with local market needs, ensuring the development and delivery of high-quality, effective seed treatments directly aligned with regional agricultural challenges.

We have a strong presence globally in major crops that include soybeans, cereals and cotton which highlights our ability to adapt innovations to local conditions. A great example of this is our position in the US and Brazil, where we lead both in corn seed treatment. This approach is supported by a commitment to sustainable practices, notably through biological seed treatments that address both local agronomic needs and broader environmental concerns.

Our extensive global resources allow us to deliver locally adapted, innovative solutions that improve crop resilience and productivity. It’s a successful model of using international expertise to meet specific local demands.

Can you describe how BASF excels at providing customer support?

Our unique position in supporting customers lies in our Seed Treatment Technology Centers, Global Innovation Centers and dedicated teams in sales and R&D. Our facilities showcase our experience and vast expertise in real-time. In particular, the Seed Treatment Technology Centers in Brazil, the US and France highlight the importance of customer-centric, hands on support to growers. Our in-person training educates growers in the best practices and proper handling of our seed treatment solutions so they can safely use the tools for better crop management. This knowledge and support extend beyond our facilities to the farm, where our sales team can share their expertise and proper usage of our solutions on a local level.

SEED TREATMENT BY BASF GLOBAL R&D AND PRODUCTION CENTERS:

What is the focus of your Global Innovation Centers?

Global Innovation Centers are crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. These centers are where we focus on product development and customer training. Ensuring our seed company and retail partners are trained to properly use our seed treatment products safely and efficiently to treat seeds, creates an important connection between our solutions and the growers who will ultimately use them.

As a team, our goal is to ensure that every seed treated with our technology is primed for growth and superior protection for growers worldwide. And the support network provided by our training and innovations centers demonstrate our team’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

What role does Seed Treatment by BASF play in innovations for sustainable farming?

Seed treatment is crucial for sustainable farming, serving as a catalyst for aligning agricultural productivity with environmental conservation and land stewardship. To help achieve this, our team focuses on sustainable practices in seed treatment innovations to meet evolving regulatory and societal expectations.

A great example is our Sepiret^® line. In anticipation of new legislation being enacted in Europe, we developed the microplastic-free seed coating Sepiret portfolio to align with sustainability standards that help reduce plastics in seed coatings. The introduction of Sepiret Red 01, a microplastic-free coating for corn, creates new benchmarks in seed treatment performance, including processing ease, dust control, and plantability. This initiative is one example of BASF’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

BASF leads in offering biological seed treatments that enhance the growth environment and protect crops during critical early stages. Innovations that reduce nitrogen fertilizer use and reintegrate CO₂ into the soil, helping to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Are there other areas of sustainable farming and land stewardship that your team is focusing on?

Yes. As an agronomist and soil scientist, I understand that stewardship and sustainability start in the soil. And seed treatment plays an important role in supporting soil health.

No-tillage and cover crops are foundational practices in sustainable agriculture, aimed at enhancing the carbon content, structure and microbial activity of the soil. Seed treatments also play a critical role here by providing targeted protection that not only supports plant vitality but also promotes soil health.

The seed is the vehicle for new technologies that will help improve soil health and we see our research as the way to develop these seed treatments. Specifically, those that can boost plant development in ways that compliment sustainable practices, like no-tillage and cover crops. There are many seed treatment products that effectively increase root and shoot growth. As these plant parts develop, they eventually decompose, returning valuable carbon to the soil. This not only improves soil structure but also contributes positively to the carbon cycle, enhancing the soil’s capacity to support sustainable farming.

BASF’s dedication to seed treatment is focused on improving the success of farmers globally today and for generations to come. By blending decades of pioneering research, industry-leading expertise and a broad portfolio of seed treatment solutions, BASF not only addresses current agricultural challenges but also anticipates future needs. Their proactive approach is powered by a team of top seed treatment specialists and visionary leadership, ensuring that every solution delivered to the market is both innovative and effective. These are the main drivers allowing Seed Treatment by BASF to help farmers overcome challenges so they can – for the love of farming, do the biggest job on Earth.

This story was initially published in the 2024 Seed Treatment Special. Download the magazine to read more stories.

Please contact Christina Xie at christina@agropages.com if you would like to share your company story or advertising with AgroPages.