BASF and NOD Apiary Products move ahead in effort to bring new product for bee health

* New product for beekeepers expected to be in European markets by 2012
* Independent bee scientists support trials in three European countries



LUDWIGSHAFEN , Germany and ONTARIO, Canada - Progressing with their pledge to bring European beekeepers an effective solution to control the parasitic varroa destructor mite, BASF and NOD Apiary Products announced first results from official registration trials conducted in Europe. Tests conducted with the help of independent bee scientists in Germany, France and the UK were promising.



In all countries, trials were conducted in partnership with local institutes. In Germany, BASF and NOD partnered with the State Institute of Apiculture (University of Hohenheim). In the UK and France, the trials were conducted with The Food and Environmental Research Agency (Fera) and in TESTAPI (Bee experiment and consultancy), respectively. From July 2010 to October 2010, BASF tested two different product formulations in Europe. One of these formulations showed prominent product efficiency: As a result of these 2010 trials, BASF expects a consistent product efficacy level above 90%.



According to David VanderDussen, CEO of NOD Apiary Products, these results are great milestones promising hope for the honeybees. “We were certain of “Mite Away™ Quick Strips” (MAQS) efficacy in the USA and Canada, but we have now tried the product in a new environment, under different conditions. It is a substantial accomplishment to witness this great performance in Europe as well. And it boosts our confidence for the next important step: submission of registration in key European countries.”



As announced in March 2010, both companies entered into a partnership agreement to bring to European beekeepers “Mite Away™ Quick Strips”. The product controls the Varroa destructor, the parasitic mite pointed out as one major cause for the declining number of bee hives on a global scale.



MAQS is an easy-to-use strip , filled with formic acid in a saccharide formulation, known to control mites. The formulation penetrates the brood cap, preventing the mite from reproducing. The main advantages of this solution are the easy application and the short treatment period (around seven days).



“Bee health is a complex issue,” says Vincent Gros, head of BASF Crop Protection in Europe. “We have been working with beekeepers and farmers to improve bee nutrition for years. Now we are partnering with NOD to bring European beekeepers a tool to fight the varroa mite, a primary cause of bee mortality. Bee health is critical for European beekeepers and farmers, and indirectly for all of us who depend on farm productivity for our food.”



The strips are soon to be on the market in some states in the U.S. (Montana and Hawaii) . BASF and NOD are working with registration authorities in Europe to make MAQS available to the European beekeeping by 2012. According to the terms of the agreement, BASF will provide substantial support to facilitate a global product launch, including on-going technical and regulatory assistance over a five year period. Both companies currently co-own the patent, with BASF committed to providing support for product registration and distribution within the EU.


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About NOD Apiary Products

Established in 1997 in Ontario, Canada by beekeepers committed to organic ideals, NOD Apiary Products focuses exclusively on bee protection. The company employs six people in manufacturing and enjoyed sales of CAD$ 1 million in the year ending 31st of May 2009. Existing products include Mite Away II™, winter protection wraps called Bee Cozies, and queen mating nucleous boxes.

In 2007, David VanderDussen, CEO and Scientist, received the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence for Agri Food Innovation. For further information, please go to www.miteaway.com



About BASF Crop Protection Division

With sales of €3.6 billion in 2009, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com