February 04, 2010
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, February 4, 2010 – BASF has announced increased support of Operation S.A.F.E. (Self-Regulating Application and Flight Efficiency) fly-ins and its collaboration with the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) by incentivizing aerial applicators who participate in Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins. The provided financial support can be used by participating aerial applicators towards membership in NAAA or for new spray equipment.
“This program is certain to enhance professionalism in the aerial application industry whether it directs aerial applicators to join NAAA and access the library of education and communication stewardship services offered by the Association or equip their aircraft with new equipment to ensure precise applications,” said Andrew Moore, Executive Director of NAAA. “NAAA appreciates BASF for making this incentive program available.”
Along with offering reliable, effective products like Headline® fungicide to the agricultural aviation industry, this BASF program is part of ongoing stewardship efforts for aerial applicators, and the safe and proper application of its products. For more information, please visit the NAAA Web site at www.agaviation.org/opsafepage.htm or www.plant-health-pilots.com for the variety of resources BASF provides aerial applicators, including a schedule of upcoming Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins beginning in early spring, an “Ask the Expert” section for your toughest aerial application questions and true flight stories from aerial applicators across the country.
Operation S.A.F.E., developed in 1981 by NAAA and managed by the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF), was designed to demonstrate that agricultural aviators recognize their responsibility to ensure precise agricultural chemical application, which is accomplished through Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins. Operation S.A.F.E. clinics give operators and pilots the opportunity to test equipment with a trained analyst to help interpret the information and to recommend changes to improve performance. Held regularly throughout the year, the fly-ins help applicators learn about and comply with all pertinent legal requirements. In addition, participating applicators agree to submit voluntarily to an inspection of their aircraft and recognize the importance of using operating procedures to ensure:
- Compliance with manufacturers’ mixing rates, application recommendations, and label requirements of agricultural chemicals.
- Adequacy of safety procedures in storing and handling agricultural chemicals.
- Compliance with flight safety procedures.
NAAA encourages every operator and pilot to participate in an Operation S.A.F.E. clinic annually.
“Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins are a great opportunity for applicators and one of the best means of evaluating spray patterns, droplet size and application precision,” said Tony Goede, Plant Health Coordinator for BASF and recently certified Operation S.A.F.E. Analyst. “BASF also is working hard to increase participation and NAAA membership, for the good of everyone in the industry.”
About the Crop Protection division
With sales of € 3.4 billion in 2008, 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 http://agproducts.basf.us.
BASF - The Chemical Company.
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees at the end of that year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA)
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) represents more than 1,500 members in 46 states. NAAA supports the interests of small business owners and pilots licensed as professional commercial aerial applicators that use aircraft to enhance food, fiber and bio-fuel production, protect forestry and control health-threatening pests.
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