BASF opens $33-million research facilities for crop protection, plant biotech

BASF has inaugurated its new research facilities in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina, for which it has invested $ 33 million. The expansion includes 80,000 square feet of office, laboratory and greenhouse facilities. “This expansion demonstrates BASF’s strong commitment to Agricultural Solutions and strengthens our research and development capabilities,” said Peter Eckes, President BASF Plant Science, in a press release.
 
The facilities include a climate-controlled greenhouse and laboratories for plant biotechnology research as well as a new environmentally-controlled insect production facility to expand insect control research. Nevin McDougall, Senior Vice President, BASF Crop Protection North America, added, “A significant share of BASF’s insecticide research is conducted in RTP. These larger facilities will enable us to evaluate our promising insecticide candidates faster.”
 
RTP serves as headquarters for the North American activities of BASF’s Crop Protection division as well as global headquarters for the Plant Science division.