Agricultural Solutions
In the Agricultural Solutions segment, we aim to further strengthen our market position as an integrated solutions provider. Our offer comprises seeds, traits, seed treatment products, biological and chemical crop protection solutions, complemented by digital farming products to help farmers grow more and sustainably better quality crops. Our strategy is based on innovation-driven organic growth and targeted portfolio expansion through acquisitions and collaborations. Customer needs, societal expectations and reducing environmental impacts are what motivate us to innovate.
Virus-resistant tomato seed varieties for less food loss
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an aggressive and persistent plant virus that causes severe crop losses in tomatoes worldwide. After the virus was discovered, BASF quickly identified genetic sources of resistance and applied state-of-the-art breeding methods to be able to offer resistant and competitive varieties. The first resistant tomato varieties were made available under the Nunhems® brand in 2020 and BASF has since expanded the range to more than 20 varieties for different markets and consumer preferences. Using these resistant varieties in combination with appropriate hygiene protocols offers a solution that benefits both growers and the food supply chain.
For more information on ToBRFV-resistant seed varieties, see basf.com/en/rugose-virus
Factors influencing sales
EBITDA before special items
| Million € | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Sales to third parties | 10,092 |
10,280 |
8,162 |
7,660 |
7,814 |
| Share of total BASF sales (%) | 14.6 |
11.8 |
10.4 |
13.0 |
13.2 |
Income from operations before depreciation, amortization and special items |
2,270 |
1,928 |
1,375 |
1,680 |
1,809 |
EBITDA margin before special items (%) |
22.5 |
18.8 |
16.8 |
21.9 |
23.2 |
Income from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) |
2,177 |
1,922 |
1,358 |
1,582 |
1,647 |
EBITDA margin (%) |
21.6 |
18.7 |
16.6 |
20.7 |
21.1 |
Income from operations (EBIT) before special items |
1,563 |
1,220 |
715 |
970 |
1,095 |
Income from operations (EBIT) |
1,131 |
1,221 |
696 |
582 |
928 |
Segment cash flow |
1,746 |
179 |
– |
– |
– |
Return on capital employed (ROCE) (%) |
6.4 |
7.1 |
4.5 |
3.6 |
5.3 |