Organised by Latvian distributor A.M. Ozoli, at the beginning of February Biobest and Haifa Fertilizers held two joint technical grower meetings in Riga and Tartu. Proving highly popular, the events attracted more than 80 tomato, cucumber and protected salad growers − eager to learn more about the technical aspects of IPM, pollination and crop nutrition.
Sam Gui, from Biobest’s global IPS (IPM and Pollination Specialist) team, led the technical sessions - supported by area sales manager Dirk Aerts. “With knowledge gained worldwide, the IPS team draws upon practical experiences gained in other countries - where growers face similar challenges”, says Dirk.
“As in other areas in Northern Europe, protected growers in the Baltics are highly reliant on artificial light. This creates IPM challenges due to higher pest pressures – particularly whitefly. Special adjustments are also needed to optimise pollination strategies as the artificial lights impact on bumblebees’ ability to find their way back to their hives.”
After the grower meetings, visits were made to two leading hi-tech tomato / cucumber growers near Riga – Marupe and Getlini, and to the facilities of Grüne Fee at Tartu, producing cucumbers, leafy salads and herbs.
Building on an existing relationship, A.M. Ozoli has now been appointed the Biobest distributor for the whole Baltic region - Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
For more information
Biobest Belgium NV
Ilse Velden 18
2260 Westerlo - Belgium
T +32 14 25 79 80
F +32 14 25 79 82