We create change

We create change

Innovations from field to table 

From growing crops in the field to the packaging that protects the food we eat; every choice affects the world around us. With innovative solutions for farming and food production, BASF is rethinking how food is produced and consumed. Discover how we are creating change to feed a growing population. 

From seeding to harvest, farmers around the world face huge challenges: shifting weather patterns, limited natural resources, and the needs of a growing population. By 2050, farmers need to produce as much food as has been eaten in all human history, increasing productivity by 50% using the same amount of arable land (FAO).  

Digital tools are a proven solution to help manage these challenges. Using sensors, satellite images, drones, data and AI, they allow farmers to analyze soil quality, crop health, weather, and other variables to make more informed decisions about planting, fertilization, and pest and disease control.  

BASF’s agricultural business is determined to bring digital technologies to more than 400 million hectares of farmland cumulatively by 2030. At the forefront of this digital transformation is the BASF team behind xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions.  

Our programmers, analysts, agronomists and digital experts develop innovative solutions that can pinpoint agronomic recommendations right down to individual fields. Technologies such as smart sprayers and drones further complement our digital farming platforms. This data-driven approach ensures crops receive exactly the right inputs in the right place at the right time, leading to higher and better quality yields, reduced emissions, and less impact on natural resources and the environment. Simultaneously, farmers can save time and money through greater efficiency and convenience. 

Transforming the world’s food systems is a huge undertaking. No single farmer or company can do it alone. But at BASF we believe that our skills and resources can act as catalysts for change in the world of agriculture. 

What if the packaging that keeps your favorite foods fresh could also help protect the planet? Imagine your favorite cheese wrapped in a material that not only preserves its quality but is also recyclable. Picture a bottle made from paper — designed to hold liquids while seamlessly fitting into existing recycling systems. 

Have you ever bitten into a sandwich only to find the bread soggy from the tomato, struggled with a watermelon that’s too large to eat alone, or shed tears while chopping onions? BASF has tackled these everyday challenges with innovative solutions, improving how we experience food daily. 

Using conventional seed breeding techniques, BASF’s experts have developed new fruit and vegetable varieties to meet customer needs.  The BASF Intense™ tomato line is designed to retain its juice after cutting, preserving its texture and flavor. Perfect for sandwiches and salads, it also offers a longer shelf life and reduced risk of bacteria. BASF also recognized the need for smaller-sized crops, which led to the creation of Kisy, the first snack watermelon under 1 kg. 

To further improve the cooking experience, the BASF team has developed Sunions®, the world’s first tearless onion. These innovations not only enhance the quality and versatility of fruits and vegetables but also help reduce food waste, positively impacting both consumers and the environment. 
Podcast
The journey of the tomato: From wild plant to global staple
In this podcast episode, Jane Craigie traces the origins of the humble tomato from a small hairy specimen to a juicy plump red fruit, uncovering the science and technology behind this essential ingredient. 
Podcast
Sunions: The tear-free onion revolution
Through 30 years of crop breeding, the Sunion has been developed — a sweeter, less pungent variety that eliminates the tear-inducing effect. Discover the story behind this innovative breakthrough in this podcast episode. 
Podcast
Rethinking food: Sustainability from farm to city
This episode of The Science Behind Your Salad explores food sustainability, land use, packaging, and the role of cities in creating sustainable food systems. 

Discover how BASF is powering the transition to a more sustainable future