1st Edition of Bakker Brothers' International Open Days

For the first time, the Dutch company, Bakker Brothers, took part in the seed enhancement and production companies' demo days. During the last week in September, visitors from all over the world were able to go to the demo-field at Bakker Brothers in North Scharwoude. 

Originally mainly focused on seed production, Bakker Brothers has been involved with seed enhancement for eight years now, says Bastiaan Schoenmaker, Chief of Breeding and Product Development at the company. "Bakker Brothers is a concept in the Middle East, Africa and the countries around the Mediterranean. Many of their cultivation programmes are also run there. They are, however, back in their country of origin, the Netherlands, where they have noticed a steady growth."

The first edition of the Bakker Brothers' International Open Days was a living catalogue of plants and varieties. On the demonstration field in North Scharwoude, people were led beside the trial fields of green beans, carrots, sweetcorn, courgettes and pumpkins. In the reception area, plants that only flourish in warm regions were to be seen.

The beans' portfolio was filled with all kinds of beans for the fresh market. Included were green beans, slicing beans, broad beans and runner beans. This portfolio has been expanded in the last few years with varieties that are used in the vegetable processing sector. The Borlotto bean is typically sold on the Italian market, while yellow beans are popular in Eastern Europe.

Green beans vs industry

Green beans are available in various lengths (indicated with sieve sizes 1 - 5), the longest beans (sieve size 4/5) are of interest to the processing industry.