BASF Issues Monarch Challenge

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, BASF, pollinators

BASF is partnering with farmers to help save the monarch butterfly. The company has issued the Living Acres Monarch Challenge, offering the first 500 farmers to join the Monarch Challenge the materials needed to plant vital milkweed plant.

Since milkweeds are difficult to grow from seedlings, BASF will send participants 18 butterfly milkweed seedlings, a hose, gloves and a guide book to help them plant a butterfly habitat. The plant is critical for monarchs, explains Laura Vance, Biology Project Leader for BASF. “The leaves are the only food source for monarch caterpillars,” Vance says. “It is where the adults lay their eggs and the blossoms provide food for migrating adults.”

Challenge participants are asked to share their projects on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtag #MonarchChallange.