A Dutch tomato grower cooperating with a Turkish grower to deliver year-round. It happens, and Edwin van Antwerpen of Enza Zaden expects these kinds of collaborations to be more frequent in the future. "The acreage of high-tech tomato cultivation in Turkey is growing significantly and that will no doubt continue for a while," he predicts. For Dutch growers he foresees export opportunities to the country. "The economy is growing and so is the demand for a safe quality product."
Two Dutchmen active in Turkey: René van Meijel and Edwin van Antwerpen of Enza Zaden.
High-tech cultivation in Turkey an increasing sight.
"There are still many quality differences within the Turkish high-tech sector," says Van Antwerpen. “The difference is partly due to lack of specific knowledge and experience.” That is why Enza Zaden has organized the Diamantino Field Days in Turkey, where growers not only get information, but also meet other growers. This is a unique concept in Turkey because growers there are often solitary and rather distant. As part of a follow-up project, some twenty Turkish cultivators will brought to the Netherlands: “To see how things work over here.”
Dutch suppliers have been active in Turkey for a while now, but for Dutch growers too there are opportunities. Edwin van Antwerpen knows of a remarkable collaboration: "Geert van Rens, a tomato grower from Meterik, has his own produce for most of the year. But when he runs out in December, he turns to his Turkish grower, Gokkale. This allows him to supply year-round."
The Diamantino Field Days will allow Turkish growers to update their expertise and increase cooperation with other industry people.
But the cooperation between the two growers doesn’t end there: Van Rens frequents Gokkale and the two exchange knowledge and information. This guarantees both the quality and the continuation of supplies. "In the future you can expect more Turkish produce to come to the Netherlands during winter. During summer, when the heat makes Turkish cultivation hard, it’s the other way around. Together, growers can supply year-round, both in Turkey and the Netherlands."
For more information:
René van Meijel
Enza Zaden Export BV
Haling 1/E
1602 DB, Enkhuizen
Email: r.vanmeijel@enzazaden.nl
http://www.enzazaden.com
AG Tohum Sanayi Tic. Ltd. STI.
Burak Gönen
Mehmehcik Mahallesi, Aspendos Bulvari, nar Plaza, No: 113A Blok No:2 D:2, 07100 Antalya
Phone: + 90 242 321 20 18
Email: b.gonen@agtohum.com.tr
http://www.agtohum.com.tr
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