BASF Launches New Fermentation Plant for Biological Crop Protection Products in Germany
Key Insights
BASF Agricultural Solutions (search) has successfully commissioned its BioHub fermentation plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, with a high double-digit million-euro investment to strengthen biological crop protection solutions.
The facility produces key biological active ingredients including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for the fungicide Serifel (search)® and components for the novel insecticide Inscalis (search)® based on Penicillium coprobium (search).
The in-house fermentation capability enhances production flexibility and supply chain resilience while supporting the growing global market for biological crop protection solutions.
BASF Agricultural Solutions (search) has successfully commissioned its BioHub, a new fermentation plant for biological and biotechnology-based crop protection products, at its Ludwigshafen site in Germany. The high double-digit million-euro investment represents a significant step in strengthening the company's portfolio of biological innovations for sustainable agriculture.
Advanced Fermentation Technology for Biological Products
The BioHub facility uses microorganisms to convert renewable raw materials such as glucose into desired products through fermentation processes. Commercial production of key biological active ingredients began this year, marking a crucial milestone for BASF (search)'s biotechnology capabilities.
The plant produces the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, which forms the basis of the biological fungicide Serifel (search)®, and the main building block of Inscalis (search)®, a novel insecticide based on the fungal strain Penicillium coprobium (search). These products provide farmers with innovative solutions that support sustainable, integrated crop protection programs.
Strategic Manufacturing Integration
By bringing fermentation production in-house, BASF (search) has strengthened its execution excellence while increasing flexibility and enhancing supply chain resilience. This vertical integration directly links the company's research expertise with industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities.
"The successful commissioning of the BioHub marks an important step forward in Industrial Biotechnology for BASF Agricultural Solutions (search)," said Dr. Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions, in charge of Technology. "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."
Market Positioning and Growth Strategy
The new facility positions BASF (search) to capitalize on the steadily growing global market for biological crop protection solutions. Maximilian Becker, Member of the Management Board of Agricultural Solutions in charge of Business, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment.
"The global market for biological crop protection solutions continues to grow steadily," Becker said. "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."
Company Performance and Investment
BASF Agricultural Solutions (search) invested €990 million in research and development in 2025, demonstrating its commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture. The business generated sales of €9.6 billion in 2025, while the broader BASF (search) Group achieved sales of around €60 billion with approximately 108,000 employees worldwide.