China: BASF and COFCO Tunhe will produce tomatoes sustainably

BASF and COFCO Tunhe, one of the world's biggest producers and processors of tomatoes, established in Peking (China) have entered into a strategic cooperation arrangement. The companies want to promote and further develop the sustainable tomato cultivation in China. The main aim of the cooperation is to build a production system, which is in accordance with the requirements of the entire foodstuff chain. The two companies have already started with analysing the requirements of the Chinese tomato growers and to adjust these to those of the foodstuff manufacturers, who produce the export markets.

BASF and COFCO Tunhe want to assist the growers to improve the quality of the tomatoes, to increase the harvest and to minimise the risks in the tomato cultivation. With its experience in the area of agrarian sustainability BASF will supply fitting and integrated solutions. These will consist of plant protection technology, agrarian service and solutions for stress and resource management.

Initially the cooperation will be directed towards made to measure solutions with the advantages of AgCelence plant protection means of BASF. Products with the hallmark AgCelence offer even more advantages than plant protection only and strengthen the health and vitality of the plants. AgCelence has already in a number of countries assisted in the improvement of the quality and sustainability of the tomato cultivation. "The Chinese tomato growers will benefit from the better plant development, a higher tolerance against stress, an improved quality of the tomatoes with a higher sugar content and a larger crop," Tracy Wu, director of BASF Crop Protection China, says.

The province of Xinjiang where COFCO is established is responsible for 70% of the local tomato production. Of this 700,000 tons is exported annually to more than 100 countries.