BASF demonstrates pathways to lower emissions in agriculture, shared in first results from Global Carbon Field Trials

September 24, 2024

• Results show reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of up to 30 percent in key crops using tailored solutions
• BASF to continue field-testing farming strategies to mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change

In a recently published report, BASF has shared the first results from its multi-year Global Carbon Field Trials. The results demonstrate that a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture of up to 30 percent is possible compared to standard farming approaches – a target to which the company committed in 2020 to help farmers reduce their GHG emissions per ton of crop produced. The emissions reduction requires tailored climate smart approaches and varies by specific crop and region.

 

The trials were conducted across various geographies and key crops (wheat, corn, canola/oilseed rape, rice and soy), with the results from 2021 to 2023 revealing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change. Instead, reducing GHG emissions requires a tailored combination of interventions, products, and technologies. The report highlights the success of approaches to lower GHG emissions, such as optimized fertilizer use with digital decision support systems and nitrogen stabilizers, and the use of high-performing seeds, while also considering crop yields.

 

“Climate change is already happening. Farming methods need to be adapted to meaningfully reduce emissions without compromising yield. This is a challenge, but we have the right solutions to support farmers and I am convinced that if you love agriculture, you must be committed to sustainability as we are,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President Global Marketing at BASF Agricultural Solutions. “The insights we gain from our field trials support our Global Carbon Farming Program, where our recommendations empower farmers to become pioneers for positive change in climate and nature.”

 

The trials also underscore the challenges farmers face to reduce emissions, particularly adverse weather conditions or emissions-reduction practices that negatively affect yield. This is why BASF will continue to field-test farming strategies through its Global Carbon Farming Trials together with partners to find practical climate-smart solutions supported by science and data for farmers around the globe.

 

The full report and more details are available here.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That’s why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €900 million in 2023, we continue to invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2023, our division generated sales of €10.1 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care, and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.