The 5,500-square-foot center is designed to educate the public on the technology and innovation behind modern agriculture.
BASF formally opened its new Center for Sustainable Agriculture located on the company’s Research Triangle Park, N.C. campus on April 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and other dignitaries.
The 5,500-square-foot center is designed as an interactive experience, geared to educate the public on the technology and innovation behind modern agriculture. BASF officials say the center a place where farmers, consumers, and anyone with questions about agriculture can go for information, conversation, and to increase their knowledge on topics that are driving sustainable agriculture forward.
“Farming is the biggest job on Earth and it’s getting bigger and more complex,” said Paul Rea, senior vice president, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “Farmers are working to reduce their impact on the planet with an eye on leaving things better for the next generation. The center showcases technologies and solutions that find the right balance – for farmers, agriculture and future generations, while making tremendous strides to increase productivity and resiliency in an ever-changing world.”
Rea said the center is designed to give a voice to farmers.
“The world is putting more pressure on our farmers, and they’re not getting as much support as they need to meet the demands and the challenges they face on a daily basis,” said Rea. “The Center for Sustainable Agriculture demonstrates that we’re at the forefront of providing farmers with some much-needed support. It also will help us to amplify their voices within and outside of our agricultural food system.”
The center’s interactive exhibits highlight BASF’s initiatives in the areas of Sustainability & Biodiversity; Food, Fuel & Fiber; Agricultural Technology; and Pest Control. The center also is home to a garden featuring many plant varieties that benefit from the application and use of BASF’s sustainable agriculture products.
The Center’s newly renovated garden area features 10,000 square feet of garden beds with 100 species of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines, grasses, berries, vegetables, and aquatic plants. Throughout the Center’s grounds, there are 11 species of milkweed, three varieties of blueberries and peppers, two varieties of tomatoes, an apple tree, blackberries, broccoli, strawberries, herbs, lettuces, peas, radishes, spinach, and more.
“From those who make their living in agriculture to those who’ve never stepped foot on a farm, there’s something for everyone to learn and to share at the new center,” said Chip Shilling, Issues Management and Sustainability Manager, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America.
The center will host many groups, ranging from students, farmers, pest management professionals, researchers, policy makers, and community and industry stakeholders. The center will offer educational tours for both small groups and large group outings. It is open to the public by appointment.
For additional information about the BASF Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and to schedule an individual tour or group outing, visit center-for-sustainable-ag.com.
