By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : April 18, 2026 10:04 am
Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026
Chemicals giant BASF is pouring €40 million into a major upgrade of its vegetable seeds operations in the Netherlands, betting on modern infrastructure to secure its leadership in a fast-growing global market.
The investment, announced by BASF’s vegetable seeds business under BASF Agricultural Solutions, will expand and modernize its seed processing hub at its headquarters in Nunhem.
The company is positioning the move as a long-term strategic push to strengthen supply capacity and meet rising global demand for high-performance vegetable seeds.
BASF | Nunhems currently offers around 1,200 seed varieties across 20 crops, including staples such as tomatoes, onions, and carrots. These varieties are developed to help growers tackle mounting agricultural pressures—from droughts and heat waves to labor shortages and increasing disease risks.
Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion targeted for the end of 2028. Once finished, the upgraded facilities will significantly boost processing capability and efficiency, supporting faster and more precise seed preparation for global distribution.
The existing Nunhem site spans roughly 20,000 square meters and serves as a global processing hub. Seeds from BASF’s worldwide supply network are shipped there for cleaning, testing, processing, and final packaging before being distributed to customers around the world. The expansion will add approximately 6,000 square meters of additional facility space.
A major sustainability shift is also built into the project: once operational, the entire processing site will run on renewable energy, sharply reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.
The upgrade includes renovating two existing processing buildings, modernizing two operational areas, and constructing new high-tech facilities equipped with advanced storage, packing, and shipping systems. Enhanced quality assurance infrastructure will also allow for higher-capacity testing, ensuring seeds consistently meet strict global standards.
Innovation remains central to the business, with BASF | Nunhems introducing roughly 80 to 100 new seed varieties each year, all developed using traditional breeding methods.
“This investment is a key step in strengthening our global vegetable seed supply,” said Maximilian Becker, Senior Vice President BASF | Nunhems. “By expanding and modernizing our processing capabilities in Nunhem, we are showing our dedication to continuous innovation and to delivering high-quality vegetable seeds that support our customers’ success.”