Just one year after its building was announced, the new R&D and marketing facility called Tomato Vision opened this month in Maasland, the Netherlands. The centre includes 14.000 m2 of high-tech glasshouse where 800 unique new hybrids are tested and selected for specific market needs, using ultra-modern and traditional breeding technologies. The greenhouse has been designed to mimic real conditions at the growers, featuring different sections for lit and unlit cultivation with ultimate climate control. An area of 1.500 m2 is open to visitors to offer them a unique first insight into upcoming introductions along with a deeper understanding of Syngenta’s whole active glasshouse portfolio. Tomato Vision is also a platform to engage and connect with customers to identify their needs. Ruud Kaagman, Global Tomato Crop Unit Head at Syngenta says: “We want to develop varieties that truly meet growers’ and customers’ demands. By creating this connection between our breeders and the market, we are able to deliver fine-tuned varieties.”
As the Covid-19 pandemic has recently highlighted how digital communications can overcome physical constraints, Tomato Vision will have an online inaugural opening. “This wonderful achievement will reach our customers and partners around the world. Of course, we would like to welcome our visitors physically as soon as possible, but for now we can bring you Tomato Vision at your desk, wherever this is!”, says Ruud Kaagman.
Hygiene and biosecurity conditions already challenged the access to glasshouses and the current context makes meeting in person difficult. By using modern digital communication tools and virtual reality technology, visitors will be provided with a worthwhile experience at Tomato Vision, making this centre a truly global resource.