New hybrids with Clearfield® Plus technology will provide farmers with better weed control

LUGANO, Switzerland, October 10, 2013 – DuPont Pioneer announced today the signing of a non-exclusive multi-year agreement with BASF, in which BASF will license Clearfield® Plus herbicide tolerance for sunflowers to DuPont Pioneer. The agreement allows DuPont Pioneer and its affiliates to develop hybrids tolerant to BASF Clearfield® Plus herbicides for commercialization in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America.

“The European sunflower market is experiencing significant growth, especially in the Black Sea region, where weed and broomrape control options are a dominant issue. Through this licensing agreement, DuPont Pioneer and its affiliates will be able to access a new fast growing market segment in sunflower, meet farmer demand for advanced weed control and provide growers with greater marketplace choice,” said Jeff Rowe, Regional Director, DuPont Pioneer Europe.

“The combination of BASF’s Clearfield® Plus herbicides with DuPont Pioneer’s advanced broomrape resistant genetics allows us to offer farmers a sustainable dual mode of action solution against broomrape, as well as the industry’s largest portfolio of sunflower hybrids resistant to advanced races of this parasitic weed,” said Leon Streit, Oilseed Platform Director, DuPont Pioneer Europe.

The Clearfield® Plus Production System for sunflowers, developed using traditional plant breeding, delivers improved, season-long weed control and greater crop tolerance across environmental stresses as well as the potential for increased oil content and grain yield.

Pioneer® brand sunflower hybrids tolerant to Clearfield® Plus herbicides will be available in Europe in future years.

DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success®.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

#   #   #

10/10/13

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, Science with Service Delivering Success^®, and PIONEER® are trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. Clearfield® Plus and the Clearfield® Plus Production System are trademarks of BASF.