BASF to enlarge Nunhem seed facility as demand rises for vegetable seed varieties

• BASF will invest 40 million euros to modernize and expand its vegetable seed site in Nunhem
• Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2026 and finish by the end of 2028
• The project will add about 6,000 square metres to the existing 20,000 square metre facility
• Upgrades will expand processing, packing, storage and seed testing capacity for global supply
• The Nunhem operation will run fully on renewable energy after completion

BASF is investing 40 million euros to expand and upgrade its vegetable seed processing site in Nunhem in the Netherlands, a move aimed at lifting capacity as demand for vegetable seeds rises across major farming markets.

The project will be carried out at the headquarters of BASF’s vegetable seeds business within BASF Agricultural Solutions. Construction is due to start in the second quarter of 2026 and the upgraded site is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Nunhem is a key hub in BASF’s global seed network. Seeds produced across the company’s supply chain are sent there for cleaning, processing, testing and final preparation before being shipped to customers in markets around the world. The site currently spans about 20,000 square metres, and the latest investment will add roughly 6,000 square metres through a mix of new construction and upgrades to existing buildings and work areas.

The company said the expanded facilities will support faster and more precise storage, packing and distribution of seeds. New processing systems and upgraded testing capacity are also intended to strengthen quality control as BASF increases output for growers facing pressure from heat, water stress, labour shortages and crop disease.

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BASF markets about 1,200 vegetable seed varieties across 20 crops, including tomatoes, onions and carrots. The company introduces around 80 to 100 new seed varieties each year, all developed through traditional breeding methods.

The Nunhem project also carries an energy target. Once the work is finished, the full seed processing operation at the site is set to run on renewable energy, which BASF expects will improve energy use and cut emissions from the facility. The investment adds to BASF’s push to hold its place in the global vegetable seed market as growers seek more dependable planting material suited to tougher weather conditions and tighter farm operations.