Dutch breeding company Rijk Zwaan, best known in the UK for its vegetable varieties, has opened a new breeding greenhouse at Dinteloord in the Netherlands, dedicated to research and development relating to new berry varieties. The new greenhouse, which was officially opened on 21 June, features advanced climate control, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable practices, ensuring optimal conditions for year-round research and breeding.
“Our new breeding greenhouse represents a significant step forward in our mission to innovate in the area of fruit and vegetable breeding,” says Michiel Zwaan, crop manager for berries at Rijk Zwaan. “The new facility allows our team to conduct year-round research in optimal conditions, accelerating the development of our new breeding programme for berries”.
Although Rijk Zwaan has been active in vegetable breeding since its foundation in 1924, it was only last year that the company officially launched a berries breeding programme aimed at broadening its product portfolio with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. Breeding Manager Pieter Egelmeers explained, “Berries are traditionally propagated vegetatively rather than from seeds. We are focusing on both propagation methods in our breeding programme. Building on our knowledge of research, breeding and seed production, we hope to bring new and innovative strawberry, blackberry and raspberry varieties to the market that will add value for growers and other chain partners”.
During the opening of the breeding station, construction partner Van der Hoeven donated €25,000 to initiatives such as the Sibusiso Foundation in Tanzania. Menno van den Brink, CTO of Van der Hoeven, commented, “We, along with our fellow suppliers, take pride in supporting Rijk Zwaan’s innovative efforts, particularly in advancing berry breeding. As suppliers, we are delighted to present a collective gesture to benefit this foundation during the opening of Rijk Zwaan’s new breeding station”.
