BASF Contributes to Pulse Field Lab

SASKATOON - Jan 11/05 - SNS -- BASF will contribute CDN $125,000 over 5 years toward the new pulse field lab research addition being built at the University of Saskatchewan.

"BASF is extremely proud to make this contribution to the field lab," said Troy Bolt, Market Manager, Oilseeds and Pulses for BASF. "The success of the Canadian pulse industry depends upon continued research and innovation in crop development. This lab will provide the first-class facilities necessary to support these activities."

"BASF has been and continues to be a strong supporter of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and the pulse industry," said Dean Corbett, Chairman of the SPG Board. "This new facility is so important to our industry and its future. We're thrilled that BASF has stepped forward to make a significant contribution."

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers is raising capital for the construction of a world-class, multi-user pulse crop field research facility, which is being built at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Of the $3 million needed to construct the facility, $750,000 will be raised from industry contributions, such as the one from BASF.

"Research is vital to the development of the pulse industry in Canada", said Garth Patterson, SPG's Executive Director. "We know that this investment in infrastructure will pay off for producers, and also for the companies, like BASF, whose business is committed to the success of the industry." A 2003 study showed that every dollar of producer investment in pulse crop research led to a $15.60 return for farmers and a $31.60 return for the industry as a whole.

The new facility is being built as a 14,000 square foot addition to the Crop Science Field Laboratory. The addition will provide enhanced capacity and efficiency in pulse breeding, physiology, pathology and agronomy research.