BASF Nunhems, a leading name in vegetable seed innovation and a brand of BASF, is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 British Tomato Growers’ Conference, set to take place on 26th September at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Warwickshire.
This year’s conference, themed “Balancing Business and Environmental Sustainability,” promises to be a pivotal event for the tomato industry, bringing together growers, suppliers, researchers, and allied industries to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
BASF Nunhems is honoured to sponsor the morning sessions and will be showcasing its range of high-performing tomato varieties in the exhibition area. The company’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting growers with innovative solutions that meet the dual demands of business efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Josue Samano Monroy, BASF Nunhems Vegetable Seeds Specialist, highlights the importance of this gathering:
“The British tomato industry is currently navigating significant challenges, from rising input costs and the lasting impacts of Brexit to the ongoing threat of diseases like Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV). It is more important than ever for the sector to come together, share insights, and explore solutions. Events like this conference are vital as they provide a platform for collaboration and collective problem-solving. At BASF Nunhems, we are committed to supporting growers with varieties that offer it all—disease resistance, high yields, and exceptional quality—ensuring they can thrive even in these challenging times.”
The conference’s theme, “Balancing Business and Environmental Sustainability,” resonates deeply with BASF Nunhems’ ethos. The company’s breeding programmes are focused on delivering varieties that not only meet the high standards of today’s market but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the industry. BASF Nunhems’ new flagship product, Vitalion, is a testament to this approach. A cherry tomato on the vine, Vitalion offers unparalleled flavour, texture, and resistance against the Rugose virus, making it a favourite among both growers and consumers. Alongside Vitalion, BASF Nunhems will also present Marvellion, Starvine, and Ronvine—varieties celebrated for their flavour profiles, yields, and robust ToBRFV resistance.
“We are excited to engage with the industry at this critical juncture,” adds Josue. “Our aim is to listen to growers’ concerns and, where we can, work with them to develop solutions that address both their immediate needs and their future goals. With our new ToBRFV-resistant lines, growers no longer have to compromise between agronomic performance and consumer demands. With BASF Nunhems, they truly can have it all.”
The British Tomato Growers’ Conference is set to be a unique and engaging event, with a diverse programme of speakers addressing sustainability in all aspects of growing—from environmental impact and policy to pest and disease management, energy use, and more. BASF Nunhems looks forward to contributing to these important discussions and showcasing its cutting-edge solutions that are revolutionising the tomato industry.
“The morning sessions cover a wide range of important topics – from ToBRFV and market conditions, to decarbonization and succession. They feature industry leading speakers like Fera’s Adrian Fox and Jonathan Scurlock. I’ve no doubt that it’ll be really insightful,” says Josue.
“Having sponsors like BASF Nunhems are essential to help this fantastic, engaging event to take place. It is a highlight of the UK Protected Crops calendar, and without them the event would not happen to the same extent, and we would not be able to support our members throughout the year in the way that we do,“ adds Nathalie Key, Business Manager at British Tomato Growers‘ Association.
For more information about BASF Nunhems’ participation in the conference and its range of products, please visit the BASF Nunhems exhibition stand or contact Josue Samano Monroy, on +44 7587970430 or email josue.samano@basf.com