BASF opens global breeding center in Nunhem

BASF opened a new advanced breeding center for cucumbers in Nunhem on Thursday, November 8. The vegetable seed company put no less than 50 million euros into it, its largest investment in its 100-year history. With the 2.5-hectare greenhouse complex and 17,000 m² of technical facilities and office space, BASF aims to respond even better to the global demand for new vegetable varieties.

The facility houses all (pre-)breeding programs for cucumbers in Nunhem: high-wire, long, short and snack cucumbers and pickles, including the phenotyping line for digital evaluation of fruit traits. The results of these programs will provide innovative new varieties for greenhouse and field growers, as well as retailers and consumers around the world.
"Our innovative strength combined with a deep understanding of customer demand is driving our business at BASF. We focus on developing vegetable varieties that create value and exceed the expectations of tomorrow's consumers," says Andreas Sewing, Head of R&D, BASF Vegetable Seeds.

25% faster seed development

The facility incorporates the latest technology for optimizing breeding activities, including hygiene locks and plant hygiene protocols to minimize infection risks, diffuse glazing for optimal use of daylight, taller greenhouses and high-pressure humidification for improved plant climate and energy savings. Combined with the use of marker technology in the laboratory and 'indoor farming' techniques, this breeding center can reduce the development time of seed varieties by up to 25 percent.

Energy-friendly and cleaner cultivation

The greenhouse also leads the way when it comes to modern environmental standards. Technologies for energy conservation and transparent screens inside the greenhouse ensure an even climate and reduce gas consumption by up to 48 percent. Repeated recycling, disinfection and cleaning of cultivation water reduces crop protection product residue in wastewater by 99.5 percent.

Center of Excellence for new vegetable solutions

The site in Nunhem is the first in a series of global 'Centers of Excellence' where the Creator Campus concept is being realized. "Our ambition is to provide an open platform for variety development and innovation, together with partners from the vegetable chain and R&D partners. It enables us to develop ideas and realize successful vegetable solutions together," responds Joachim Schneider, Head of BASF Vegetable Seeds. "We want to inspire both professionals and consumers to further develop an exciting future for the vegetable market together."

Limburg leading in seeds

The entire market for seeds and propagation materials has grown strongly in the Netherlands over the past 15 years, with Limburg leading the way. The area of seeds and similar materials for open-air vegetables rose to a record 2,240 hectares in 2018. For the production of seeds for greenhouse vegetables, this even increased by two-thirds to 490 hectares.
Limburg accounts for no less than 32 percent of this. With BASF's new breeding center in Nunhem, Limburg's leading position will be further strengthened.

State Secretary Knops: cooperation is the key

State Secretary Knops (BZK) gave a speech at the opening and emphasized the importance of cooperation between industry, science and education and government for the preservation and development of the Dutch agrifood sector. He mentioned the national platform where the agribusiness comes up with proposals to contribute to the climate objectives, such as the City Deal Food and a healthy weight program for children and youth. He also mentioned Kiempunt as an example of building a better future together.

Sources: BASF, 1Limburg, CBS, Government