BASF's vegetable seeds division will begin building a state-of-the-art research and development center in El Ejido (Almería). Covering 25 hectares, this new facility will serve as a foundation for ongoing innovation and operational excellence.
Construction is scheduled to start in early 2026, with BASF expecting it to be fully operational by early 2028. Once open, this new R&D&I center in El Ejido will gradually take over activities currently carried out at the company's two centers in Almeria province, located in Almerimar and Santa María del Águila.
This investment strengthens BASF-Nunhems' leadership in the vegetable seed industry and demonstrates its commitment to the region's economic and social growth.
© BASF | Nunhems
This new research center in Almeria aims to develop innovative varieties and customized solutions to meet our customers' changing needs. It supports BASF's ongoing dedication to creating sustainable innovations for growers worldwide. Additionally, it provides our team with the necessary space and tools to accelerate innovation, aligning with our growth objectives," stated Ena Hartig, Vice President of R&D at BASF | Nunhems.
This new center will bring together the main activities of the vegetable seeds business in Almeria at a single site, establishing it as the headquarters of this business unit in Spain.
The future R&D center will feature multi-tunnel greenhouses, advanced breeding facilities, and cutting-edge research and development in plant pathology to deliver innovative solutions for the market that address the entire value chain —a working philosophy that has always been a hallmark of the BASF | Nunhems team. This modern office building, designed with open workspaces, will promote collaboration and adaptability. The center will also house customer service, finance, marketing, and sales departments, as well as the logistics center for seed distribution in Spain and Portugal.
"This new facility represents a significant step in consolidating and expanding BASF | Nunhems' operations in Spain," stated Paco Gonzalez, Managing Director of Nunhems Spain. "It will benefit the province, Iberia, and other regions around the world. The selection of Almeria for this investment and the move of the head office to El Ejido highlight the province's status as a worldwide leader in vegetable innovation and production," he added.
For more information:
BASF | Nunhems
www.agriculture.basf.com
www.nunhems.com