Calgary, Alberta, March 9, 2021 – BASF Digital Farming (BASF) has signed an agreement with AGvisorPRO to provide farmers, that have identified in-field problems using the xarvioTM SCOUTING application (app) on their smartphone, with expanded access to a local, accredited agronomic advisor. AGvisorPRO advisors complement BASF’s robust customer support program which encompasses BASF sales representatives, the BASF AgSolutions Customer Care team, and local retailers across Canada.
The agreement pairs the unique, market leading capabilities of two award-winning digital farming applications (app) – BASF Digital Farming’s xarvio SCOUTING with AGvisorPRO. Both apps were AIM Innovation Program award winners in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
SCOUTING users will be able to share pictures they took of an in-field problem, such as unknown weeds, diseases, or insects, with a virtual agronomic advisor to learn about solutions. After receiving an instant response and high-level recommendations from the xarvioTM SCOUTING app, users can choose to connect to agriculture domain experts by simply touching the AGvisorPRO button embedded in the app. AGvisorPRO will provide an instant or scheduled connection to the fee-based expert of choice via embedded audio, video, picture sharing or chat.
“The connection between our automatized in-field problem identifier, xarvio SCOUTING, and the AGvisorPRO connectivity platform will provide another way to assist farmers with identifying problems in their field,” said Brent Nicol, Commercial Lead for xarvio at BASF Digital Farming. “This collaboration builds on BASF’s responsive customer support team and local retailer network, which helps SCOUTING users receive top tier agronomic advice as quickly as possible, helping to enhance agronomic decisions that can optimize crop production while fostering sustainability. AGvisorPro represents our first collaboration in this area. We look forward to adding additional contributors and further supporting our strong local presence throughout Canada.”
“This collaboration demonstrates how AGvisorPRO is working to bring experts into the field without having to be on the farm. AGvisorPRO is not a consulting firm; we are a connectivity channel. Independent, industry and government experts who have registered themselves with AGvisorPRO will be available through this application,” explained Robert Saik, AGvisorPRO CEO. “It is my belief that the key to greater profitability, increased sustainability and enhanced food security comes from farmers having access to the right information from the right expert at the right time. With SCOUTING and AGvisorPRO our goal is to make agriculture better.”
xarvio SCOUTING users will be able to access AGvisorPRO advisors, their BASF sales representative, and the BASF AgSolutions Customer Care team through the app for the 2021 growing season. AGvisorPRO is the first external agronomic advisor group to complement the BASF customer support team via xarvio SCOUTING.
About xarvio Digital Farming Solutions a brand by BASF Digital Farming GmbH
xarvio Digital Farming Solutions is at the forefront of the digital transformation of agriculture, optimizing crop production. xarvio offers digital products, based on a global leading crop model platform, which deliver independent, field-zone-specific agronomic advice that enables farmers to produce their crops more efficiently and sustainably. xarvio products SCOUTING, FIELD MANAGER and HEALTHY FIELDS are being used by farmers in more than 100 countries. xarvio FIELD MANAGER is used by 43,000 farmers (total area of more than 5 million ha) in 17 countries, and xarvio SCOUTING is used by more 3.8 million farmers and consultants. For more information please visit www.xarvio.com or any of our social media channels.
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 2020, our division generated sales of €7.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.
About BASF
BASF Canada Inc., headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, has over 1,200 employees at production facilities and offices located across Canada. BASF Canada is a subsidiary of BASF SE, and an affiliate of BASF Corporation. To find out more about BASF’s activities in Canada, visit www.basf.com/ca or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/basfcanada.
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.
About AGvisorPRO
AGvisorPRO is a connectivity channel providing remote, instantaneous communication between farmers, experts, researchers, government and industry to provide ANSWERS NOW. Expert Access connects “seekers” (farmers) to industry experts. Tech Direct partners connect farmers and other agribusinesses to company representatives. We also provide Instant Access by integrating AGvisorPRO inside of other corporate data systems. AGvisorPRO is FREE to download on iOS, Android and desktop platforms. Ag experts, industry partners and investor inquiries are welcome. More information can be found at www.agvisorpro.com. 2021 CWA Top 10 Mentor in Canadian Agriculture - Robert Saik, CEO; 2021 THRIVE Canada Challenge Finalist and People’s Choice Award Winner; 2021 Manitoba Ag Days Agribusiness Winner; 2020 Ag in Motion Ag Innovation of the Year Award Winner; 2020 Canadian Export Challenge Finalist Prairie Region. Follow AGvisorPRO on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
BASF Media Contact:
Tabetha Boot
Tel.: 403-461-1253
Tabetha.boot@basf.com
AGvisorPRO Inc Media Contact:
Robert Saik, Pag, CAC
Tel.: (403) 391-0772
Robert.saik@AGvisorPRO.com