Majority of Western Canadian farmers agree: The new marketing system for Western wheat is benefiting their business

BASF poll asks growers for their opinions on the open market for wheat

RED DEER, AB, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - According to a recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of BASF Canada Inc. (BASF), 85% of growers in Western Canada believe the new environment for marketing wheat is beneficial to their business.

The online poll of 401 growers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba was conducted in October 2012. Growers were asked about their opinions on the opportunities and challenges they face within the new marketing atmosphere.

"We are working with, and listening to, growers in Western Canada," says BASF Brand Manager for Clearfield^® Crops, Harley House. "Of all the crops across the country with the most change - it's wheat. We wanted to hear from growers about how they feel in the new marketing environment."

Last summer, after close to three quarters of a century, the Canadian Wheat Board lost its single-desk marketing over prairie wheat. New legislation has given Western Canadian farmers the opportunity to sell their crops in an open market.

According to the poll, 89% of growers believe profitability, because of the new market accessibility, is their biggest business opportunity, while three quarters (74%) of those polled said smaller yields due to disease pressure is a significant challenge.

"Wheat is profitable again," says House. "But growers are still facing challenges. That's why BASF is responding to growers' needs. We have a complete wheat portfolio, including superior weed control, industry-leading fungicides, seed treatments, and premium genetics."

Times have changed in Western Canada; however, BASF remains committed to bringing innovative solutions to market to meet the increased demand for Western Canadian crops.

Full tabular results of this poll are available at www.ipsos.ca.

About the BASF Crop Protection division
With sales of €4.0 billion in 2010, BASF's Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF's Crop Protection division is to be the world's leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro.

About the Ipsos poll
These are the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted between October 19 to 25, 2012 on behalf of BASF. For this survey, a sample of 401 Western Canadian canola and wheat farmers from Ipsos' producers panel was polled online. To be eligible for the survey, producers in Western Canada had to grow a minimum 2000+ acres of wheat and canola crops. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within +/- 5.6 percentage points had the entire specified population of producers in Canada been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to, coverage error and measurement.

Clearfield is a registered trade-mark of BASF Agrochemical Products B.V. used with permission
by BASF Canada Inc.

© 2012 BASF Canada Inc.

SOURCE: BASF Canada Inc.

For further information:

Harley House
BASF Canada Inc.
[phone]
[e-mail]

Jo Ann Robinson
ON Communication Inc.
[phone]
[e-mail]