Clearfield Production System

Clearfield is a globally recognized agricultural production system that combines high-quality seeds with specialized herbicides to manage weeds effectively. Unlike Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the Clearfield technology was developed using traditional plant breeding methods, specifically enhanced seedling selection and mutagenesis, to create crops that are naturally tolerant to imidazolinone herbicides.

Originally conceived and developed by American Cyanamid in the 1990s, the technology was acquired and significantly expanded by BASF. Today, the system is used globally for a wide range of crops including canola, sunflower, wheat, rice, and lentils. The manufacturing and distribution of Clearfield-labeled products occur across multiple continents, as BASF partners with numerous local seed companies and distributors to integrate the trait into regional crop varieties.

As of 2025 and moving forward, BASF remains the ultimate owner and steward of the Clearfield brand. The company continues to invest in the technology to provide farmers with sustainable weed control solutions. The brand's success is rooted in its ability to offer non-GMO solutions for complex agricultural challenges, maintaining a headquarters of strategic operations in Germany while maintaining a massive production footprint in North America, Europe, and South America.