Cultivating Change recognizes BASF for awareness and inclusivity in the LGBTQIA+ community

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, October 20, 2022 – As the world celebrates LGBTQIA+ History Month, BASF Agricultural Solutions highlights one of its own while reaffirming its support of the marginalized community alongside the Cultivating Change Foundation.

Last year, Justin Gayliard, Head of Digital Farming at BASF, was recognized with the Cultivator of Change Award for his work championing visibility and voice for the LGBTQIA+ community in agriculture. This year on October 4, Gayliard participated in a panel discussion at the foundation’s sixth annual summit in Washington, D.C. alongside colleague and LGBTQIA+ champion Kyle Jordan, BASF Global Product Development Manager. The two and other leaders from around the globe met to share strategies to help further inclusive culture within agriculture.

“While significant progress has been made in equity and inclusion within the headquarters of many organizations, there is still work to be done on the local level in the communities we work in and serve,” said Justin Gayliard, Head of Digital Farming at BASF Corporation.

Gayliard’s advocacy efforts at BASF has helped promote awareness and inclusivity on a global scale.

In 2012, he initiated the first chapter of ALLchemie at BASF’s North America headquarters. ALLchemie is an employee resource group (ERG) that has since expanded to over 250 members in more than 12 locations throughout the company. The ERG is for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike, and it has been critical in creating a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment at BASF.

During LGBTQIA+ History Month, BASF calls on its employees to learn more about the leaders behind the movement who have made a difference in the agriculture industry and beyond.

“The best way to create a more welcoming environment is to share the stories of those who are LGBTQIA+ who work within in the industry and highlight their contributions,” Gayliard said.

“We have diverse farmers, scientists, businesspeople, and educators who bring significant value to the industry and excel when they can be their authentic selves,” added Paul Rea, Senior Vice President Agricultural Solutions North America - BASF. “We are proud of the work our employees continue to do for this cause.”

Click here to learn more about ALLchemie and BASF’s other employee resource groups.

Since 2018, BASF has also been a member of the United Nations’ global code of conduct for LGBTQIA+. Read more about it: here.

Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2021, our division generated sales of €8.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,700 employees in North America and had sales of $25.9 billion in 2021. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com/us.  

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 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 comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. 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.