European Commission approves Amflora starch potato

• BASF plans to start commercial cultivation in 2010
• Amflora will increase the competitiveness of the European starch industry

Ludwigshafen, Germany March 2, 2010 Today the European
Commission approved Amflora, BASF’s genetically optimized starch
potato, for commercial application in Europe. The potato can now be
used for the production of industrial starch.

“After waiting for more than 13 years, we are delighted that the
European Commission has approved Amflora,” said Stefan
Marcinowski, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF
SE.

We hope, that this decision is a milestone for further innovative
products that will promote a competitive and sustainable agriculture in
Europe.

“The way is now clear for commercial cultivation of Amflora this year,”
said Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science. “Amflora will
strengthen the international position of the European potato starch
industry.”

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed on several
occasions during the approval process that Amflora is safe for
humans, animals and the environment.

Now that the European Commission has given its approval to Amflora’s
commercial cultivation, Sweden as the so-called rapporteur country will
formally issue its legal approval. The application for approval of Amflora
was filed in Sweden in 1996.

Amflora produces pure amylopectin starch used in certain technical
applications. Food use is not foreseen. It was developed in collaboration
with experts from the European starch industry to respond to the demand
for pure amylopectin starch. Conventional potatoes produce a mixture of
amylopectin and amylose starch. For many technical applications, such as
in the paper, textile and adhesives industries, pure amylopectin is
advantageous, but separating the two starch components is uneconomical.
The industry will benefit from high-quality Amflora starch that optimizes
industrial processes: it gives paper a higher gloss, and concrete and
adhesives can be processed for a longer period of time. This reduces the
consumption of energy, additives and raw materials such as water.

About BASF Plant Science

BASF Plant Science a BASF group company – is one of the worlds 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. BASF Plant Science 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. Current projects include higher
yielding row crops, nutritionally-enhanced corn for animal feed or higher content of
Omega-3s in oil crops for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

To find out more about BASF Plant Science, please visit www.basf.com/plantscience.