BASF weighs expanding its soybean seed business in Argentina, citing intellectual-property rules as key

BASF is considering new investment in Argentina’s soybean seed and traits business, but the German company says the pace of that investment will depend on stronger intellectual-property protection.

The company’s position comes as Argentine producers and the seed industry negotiate changes to the country’s seed regulations. One issue under discussion is whether farmers should pay for “own use,” the practice of keeping part of a soybean harvest for seed and using it in the following growing season. The practice is currently covered by law, but negotiators are considering limiting it and introducing a payment.

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The company is also evaluating new investment opportunities to strengthen its seeds and traits business in Argentina.

The Argentine government has also committed to sending Congress an agreement to join UPOV 91, an international framework that offers greater protection to companies. Under the proposed approach, a producer who did not recognize intellectual-property rights when buying seed could do so later through the resulting production.

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a key factor in accelerating the arrival of new technologies to the local market

Aimar Pena, BASF’s marketing manager for seeds and traits, said the company is assessing opportunities to strengthen its business in Argentina. “The company is also evaluating new investment opportunities to strengthen its seeds and traits business in Argentina,” he said. Pena added that modern rules with clear intellectual-property protections, in line with UPOV 91, would be “a key factor in accelerating the arrival of new technologies to the local market.”

BASF said its global agricultural solutions pipeline could generate more than 7.5 billion euros in additional sales from products and solutions expected to launch through 2035. The company expects about 200 launches in Latin America, covering crop protection, seed treatment, biotechnology and digital tools. In Argentina, it operates in soybeans, corn, wheat and sunflower, including its Credenz soybean seed brand.

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At BASF, we believe that moving toward a modern, balanced framework with clear rules is key to driving investment, protecting intellectual property and promoting more productive and sustainable agriculture.