KEKAHA — In an attempt to better understand how seed farmers exist in our community, The Garden Island asked local companies’ representatives a series of basic questions. Editor’s note: This is the fourth article of a five-part series. Past Business
KEKAHA — In an attempt to better understand how seed farmers
exist in our community, The Garden Island asked local companies’
representatives a series of basic questions.
Editor’s note: This is the fourth article of a five-part series. Past Business editions included responses from Kaua‘i seed companies Pioneer Hi-Bred, Syngenta and Dow. Part five will explore the topic of seed industries as a whole with the Hawai‘i Crop Improvement Association.
KEKAHA — In an attempt to better understand how seed farmers exist in our community, The Garden Island asked local companies’ representatives a series of basic questions.
The following information has been provided by Steve Lupkes, research station manager for BASF Plant Science in Kekaha:
Q: What does your company do?
A: BASF Plant Science is one of the world’s leading companies providing innovative plant biotechnology solutions for agriculture. Today, about 700 employees are helping farmers meet the growing demand for improved agricultural productivity and healthier nutrition for humans and animals.
(It) has developed an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice. Jointly with leading partners in the seed industry BASF Plant Science is commercializing its products.
BASF’s specific operation in Hawai‘i is similar to competitive companies. However, it focuses efforts on a slightly different mix of crops and has chosen to conduct some of our process steps at locations on the mainland or in Europe.
Our site in Hawai‘i is part of a network of breeding and testing stations across North America and is an integral part of our research platform. Efforts conducted in Hawai‘i have significantly contributed to the development of an unparalleled gene discovery platform focusing on yield and quality traits in crops such as corn, soybean and rice.
Research currently underway directly contributes to projects that include higher yielding row crops, nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed or higher content of Omega-3s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Q: How long has your company has been on island, and why did your company chose Kaua‘i for its operations?
A: BASF Plant Science began its Hawai‘i fieldwork in August of 2006. The Hawai‘i location is part of a BASF internal network of breeding and testing stations.
We chose our Kaua‘i location because of the area’s generally good growing conditions, past history of successful rice production, availability of land, and existing irrigation infrastructure.
Q: What parts of the island do BASF’s fields occupy?
A: Our fields are located on the Mana Plane. We have a small field mauka of Lihu‘e. A vast majority of our land is leased from the state. We lease a small portion of our total land from a private landowner.
Q: How many acres does BASF farm on Kaua‘i?
A: We lease approximately 900 acres on Kauai. Not all leased land is used for production.
Q: How many employees do you have and how are they comprised?
A: BASF Plant Science has 12 full-time employees at its Hawai‘i location and utilizes a peak of about 60 seasonal workers during the winter months. All of our full-time positions require specialized skills or education beyond high school.
Most full-time positions require a bachelor’s of science degree in a biological science. Twenty five percent of our seasonal labor requires specialized skills or education beyond high school.
Q: What are the top three contributions your company has made to this island?
A: As a member of the community, BASF Plant Science contributes in many ways including providing quality jobs with competitive pay and benefits, continued support for its surrounding communities and neighbors and a focus to maintain sustainable agricultural practices while continuing to keep agricultural land in agriculture.
Q: What contribution(s) has your company made to the agricultural industry?
A: BASF develops plants that make agriculture more efficient. For example, we develop crops that are more tolerant to drought or resistant to diseases, contribute to healthier nutrition by optimizing the composition of their ingredients, and that can be used as renewable resources.
Plant biotechnology still offers vast untapped potential. So far, only first-generation genetically modified crop plants with improved agronomic traits, such as insect resistance or herbicide tolerance have been commercially cultivated.
The plants of the next generation are already on their way to the market. For example, there are plans to cultivate crop plants with elevated contents of oils, starches or vitamins.
Crops offering higher yields and better resistance to difficult environmental conditions are also being developed. These plants should provide high-quality food and animal feed or serve as sources of renewable resources.
Q: Who are your three biggest customers?
A: BASF Plant Science does not independently sell seed commercially. The business model is different than the other traditional seed companies. The main outlet for our technology is through partnerships and licensing to other seed companies. Other seed companies are our biggest customers, but our ultimate customer is the farmer.
Q: Some residents say one of the issues they have with seed companies is the broad chemical spraying of herbicides and pesticides. What is your response to this?
A: All pesticide products on the market today are subject to a thorough regulatory review to ensure that they meet efficacy and environmental, animal and human health safety requirements set forth by individual countries.
Registration requirements for each product are significant with up to 800 scientific studies submitted per product seeking registration. Environmental research in the areas of ecobiology, residue analysis and metabolism research is becoming increasingly important.
Crop protection actives are some of the most investigated products research before they enter the crop production system. In addition, all products are required to list proper use instructions on the label that provide detailed information on application rates and timing of application as well as complete protection measures. These instructions are reviewed and approved by registration authorities in order to insure adequate safety levels.
Industry associations as well as private companies, like BASF, annually conduct extensive outreach and training programs for growers, applicators and retailers to provide training on proper stewardship and application methods.
Q: What do you say to those who are anti GMO?
A: We take the concerns that some people may have regarding plant biotechnology seriously. We do everything we can to provide answers to any questions people may have and look for ways to discuss the issues with the public.
We seek a matter-of-fact dialog based on science. Our research translates scientific advances into tangible benefits for society and we believe GM technology brings benefits to the farming community and food chain.
Q: Does your company do public tours and if so, how should a person go about setting that up? And who at your company can someone contact if they have an issue or complaint?
A: Because of the competitive nature of the business BASF does not do public tours. If there is an issue or complaint specific to BASF, it is best to contact the BASF station manager.
Station Manager Steve Lupkes may be reached at 337-2065. For more information about BASF Plant Science, visit www.agproducts.basf.com.
