Rijk zwaan has inaugurated its new breeding greenhouse in Dinteloord, Netherlands. This facility is dedicated to research and development related to new varieties of berries.

The new greenhouse features advanced climate control, energy-efficient systems and sustainable practices, ensuring optimal conditions for research and breeding year-round. The facility was officially inaugurated on Friday, June 21.

Official inauguration

The opening ceremony was attended by colleagues and construction partners from Rijk Zwaan. All guests had the opportunity to take a tour of the greenhouse.

“Our new cultivation greenhouse represents an important step forward in our mission to innovate in the field of fruit and vegetable cultivation,” says Michiel Zwaan, head of berry crops at Rijk Zwaan. “The new facility allows our team to conduct year-round research under optimal conditions, accelerating the development of our new berry breeding program.”

New berry breeding program

Rijk Zwaan has been active in vegetable breeding since its founding in 1924. Last year, the company officially launched a berry breeding program aimed at expanding its product portfolio with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

The improvement director, Pieter Egelmeers, explains: «Berries are traditionally propagated vegetatively and not from seeds. We focus on both propagation methods in our breeding program. Based on our knowledge of research, breeding and seed production, we hope to bring new and innovative strawberries. , blackberries and raspberries to the market that will add value for producers and other partners in the chain.

Gift at the inauguration of the breeding center

During the inauguration of our breeding center, our construction partner Van der Hoeven made a generous gesture.

on the left Menno van den Brink – Van der Hoeven CTO

Menno van den Brink, CTO of Van der Hoevencommented: "We, along with our fellow suppliers, are proud to support the innovative efforts of Rijk zwaan, particularly in advancing berry breeding. Corporate social responsibility is of significant importance to us, and we are happy to contribute to initiatives such as the Sibusiso foundation in Tanzania. "As suppliers, we are delighted to present a collective gesture for the benefit of this foundation during the inauguration of the new breeding station in Rijk Zwaan."