BASF Agricultural Solutions has successfully commissioned its BioHub, a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products, at the Ludwigshafen site. With an investment in the high double-digit million-euro range, BASF is strengthening its portfolio of biological innovations. The products manufactured at the plant include biological fungicides and biological seed treatment, giving farmers access to innovative solutions that support sustainable, integrated crop protection programs.
Investment in Biological Solutions
The high double-digit million-euro investment underscores BASF's commitment to expanding its portfolio of biological and biotechnology-based crop protection solutions. By bringing fermentation production in-house, the company strengthens its production flexibility and supply chain resilience. Commercial production of key biological active ingredients started this year, including the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which forms the basis of the biological fungicide Serifel, and the main building block of Inscalis, a novel insecticide based on the fungal strain Penicillium coprobium.
Fermentation Process
The BioHub uses microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into the desired products through fermentation. This process allows BASF to produce biological active ingredients efficiently and sustainably. In-house fermentation enhances execution excellence, increases flexibility, and improves supply chain resilience, ensuring a consistent and dependable supply for customers.
Executive Statements
Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions in charge of Technology, stated: "The successful commissioning of the BioHub marks an important step forward in Industrial Biotechnology for BASF Agricultural Solutions. By bringing fermentation production in-house, we directly link our expertise in research with industrial-scale manufacturing, allowing us to accelerate and adapt biotechnological innovations."
Maximilian Becker, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions in charge of Business, added: "The global market for biological crop protection solutions continues to grow steadily. With this new fermentation plant, we have established a scalable and flexible platform that enables us to strengthen our BioSolutions portfolio while ensuring a consistent and dependable supply for our customers."
About BASF Agricultural Solutions
Everything BASF does is for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to providing sufficient and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. BASF works with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €990 million invested in 2025 in a strong R&D pipeline, the company's solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools, and sustainability approaches helps deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers, and stakeholders along the value chain. In 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions generated sales of €9.6 billion.
