Sunflower is an important and fast-growing crop sector, especially in Europe, the world’s largest sunflower market valued at €1.3 billion (around $1.48 billion). To enter the sunflower seed market and complement its existing portfolio for sunflower, BASF has signed a distribution agreement with Euralis Semences.
The goal is to evaluate and commercialize a pipeline of innovative sunflower hybrids, offering sunflower growers across the European region an even more comprehensive portfolio of agricultural solutions. The hybrid products will include BASF’s Clearfield Plus technology, combining state-of-the-art genetics and crop protection. First market launches of sunflower hybrids are expected in 2020.
“Sunflower is a key crop for Europe. Due to its abundant health benefits, it plays a big role in modern diet. Sunflower is also critical for crop rotation. With this partnership, we further invest in our seeds and traits business to become an even stronger partner for our customers,” says Livio Tedeschi, senior vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and CIS at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division.
BASF’s partner Euralis Semences is a leading seed company, participating in one of the world’s best sunflower research programs. Besides the distribution agreement with BASF, Euralis will continue to distribute its portfolio under the Euralis brand.
