Governor Gianforte Celebrates Innovation in Agriculture – State of Montana Newsroom (.gov)

Governor Greg Gianforte and BASF Agricultural Solutions Introduce Innovative Canola Seed in Montana

Introduction of InVigor Gold Canola Seed

On June 27, 2025, Governor Greg Gianforte joined BASF Agricultural Solutions in Great Falls, Montana, to unveil a new canola seed variety, InVigor Gold, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability for Montana farmers.

Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Innovation

Governor Gianforte emphasized the importance of agriculture as Montana’s leading industry and highlighted the role of innovation in meeting rising global food demands. He expressed gratitude towards BASF for their dedication to advancing agricultural technology, which aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by improving crop yields and food security.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by supporting local farmers and bolstering the state economy.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through the introduction of cutting-edge agricultural products.

Features and Benefits of InVigor Gold

InVigor Gold is designed with advanced traits that address climate challenges and promote sustainable farming practices:

1. Heat Tolerance: Enables growth in hotter and drier environments, supporting adaptation to climate change (SDG 13: Climate Action).
2. Pod Shatter Resistance: Reduces seed loss, improving yield efficiency.
3. Blackleg Disease Resistance: Enhances crop health, reducing the need for chemical interventions (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).

BASF’s Role and Market Leadership

BASF has been a leader in the canola seed market for over 25 years, providing hybrids used in food production, biofuels, and industrial applications. The introduction of InVigor Gold is expected to unlock the genetic potential of canola in new regions, including Montana, which is anticipated to be the first U.S. state to access this seed variety in 2027, pending regulatory approval.

Governor Gianforte’s Support for Agricultural Development

• Prioritizes innovation in agriculture to add value to family farms and ranches.
• Collaborates with the Montana Department of Agriculture to increase access to global markets.
• Invests in sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to multiple SDGs, including:
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

Conclusion

The collaboration between Governor Gianforte and BASF Agricultural Solutions in introducing InVigor Gold represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural innovation in Montana. This initiative supports key Sustainable Development Goals by promoting food security, economic growth, climate resilience, and responsible production practices.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on agricultural innovation to improve crop yields, directly contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Supporting farmers and bolstering the economy through agricultural advancements aligns with promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The introduction of new canola seed varieties represents innovation in agricultural technology and infrastructure.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Developing heat-tolerant and resilient crops addresses challenges posed by climate change.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Yield Performance and Stability
   • The article mentions “yield stability” and “improve yield performance,” which relate to indicators measuring agricultural productivity (e.g., crop yield per hectare).
2. Heat Tolerance and Resilience of Crops
   • Indicators related to the resilience of crops to heat and drought conditions, such as the percentage of crops resistant to heat stress or the area of land under resilient agricultural practices.
3. Economic Impact on Farmers and Local Economy
   • Indicators measuring income levels of farmers or economic growth in the agricultural sector, reflecting the impact of innovation on livelihoods.
4. Adoption Rate of New Agricultural Technologies
   • Implied indicator measuring how widely the new canola seed (InVigor Gold) is adopted by farmers, which can be tracked through hectares planted or number of farmers using the seed.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.mt.gov