Agricultural industry leaders join forces to introduce closed transfer system technology for European farmers

Limburgerhof, Germany, October 10, 2019 – ADAMA, BASF, Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm and Syngenta join forces to further improve the way crop protection products are handled in Europe by promoting the use of closed transfer system (CTS) technology. The companies are now each piloting the CTS ‘easyconnect’ in selected countries to benefit operators, farmers and the environment.

The easyconnect system consists of two components: a unique screw cap – pre-fitted on the containers – and a coupler, which together establish the CTS. By 2021/2022, a broad range of containers (IS 63 industry standard) is planned to be equipped with the standardized pre-mounted screw cap and offered to farmers in Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, with other countries likely to follow.

“A CTS, such as easyconnect, allows crop protection products to be directly transferred from their original container to the spray tank and to accurately measure the volume of the chemical being transferred. This significantly reduces operator exposure and environmental risks from splashing or spilling,” explained Livio Tedeschi, Senior Vice President Agricultural Solutions EMEA and CIS, BASF SE.

“The introduction of a CTS on a broad range of products will have real benefits for the environment by significantly reducing the risk of spills during handling products. Further advantages are seen in the integrated rinsing system, which makes it easier to clean and rinse packaging,” said Xavier Leprince, Head of Business Sustainability EAME at Syngenta.

“Today, there is a lot of interest in efficiency on farm. To maximize the time spent in the field on good spraying days, spray operators wish to reduce their loading time without reducing safety. CTS, and in particular easyconnect, help with that. We are convinced farmers will find it beneficial,” said Louise Brinkworth, Product Stewardship Manager Northern Europe, Corteva Agriscience.

Bertrand Lombard, Vice President, ADAMA South Europe, added: “It is a significant benefit for the farmer when the CTS is simple to use; the easyconnect technology reduces the lifting of cans and thereby minimizes the handling of products.”

“We would be delighted to see farmers adopting CTS. That is why five of the biggest industry players are now taking a further step to independently test the easyconnect system more broadly and to continually improve the way crop protection products are handled,” said Karina von Detten, Head of Portfolio Solutions EuMEA at Nufarm.

Developed by BASF in collaboration with third-party equipment manufacturers, easyconnect has been extensively tested on-farm in selected countries since 2015. Based on farmers’ feedback, the system has been steadily improved in terms of handling and speed, making the filling faster than via the commonly used induction hopper.

Further industry players in the agrochemical sector, equipment manufacturers or any other parties interested in joining the launch of easyconnect in the countries mentioned above are welcome to contact any of the five companies for more information.

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About ADAMA
ADAMA Ltd. is one of the world's leading crop protection companies. We strive to Create Simplicity in Agriculture – offering farmers effective products and services that simplify their lives and help them grow. With one of the most comprehensive and diversified portfolios of differentiated, quality products, our more than 7,000-strong team reaches farmers in over 100 countries, providing them with solutions to control weeds, insects and disease, and improve their yields. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on Twitter® at @ADAMAAgri.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division
With a rapidly growing population, the world is increasingly dependent on our ability to develop and maintain sustainable agriculture and healthy environments. Working with farmers, agricultural professionals, pest management experts and others, it is our role to help make this possible. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline and broad portfolio, including seeds and traits, chemical and biological crop protection, soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we connect innovative thinking and down-to-earth action to create real world ideas that work – for farmers, society and the planet. In 2018, our division generated sales of €6.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

About Nufarm
Nufarm Limited is one of the world's leading crop protection and specialist seeds companies. We produce products to help farmers protect their crops against damage caused by weeds, pests and disease. With manufacturing and marketing operations based in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas, Nufarm employs more than 3,100 people, all of whom make a vital contribution to the company's reputation for quality products, innovation and first-class marketing and technical support. Nufarm is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (symbol NUF) and its head office is located at Laverton in Melbourne. More information can be found at www.nufarm.com.

About Syngenta
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. With 28,000 people in more than 90 countries we are working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to improving farm productivity, rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS.