‘The virus' is still around. "It seems to overshadow everything in greenhouse farming," says Jos Veugen of Frans Veugen Bedrijfshygiëne in the Netherlands. By 'the virus', Jos means the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruits Virus (ToBRFV). "We have far more virus and bacteria control queries than for crop protection. We're selling a lot more cart disinfectors and hygiene locks than last year."
Jos Veugen
Laboratoria
This tomato virus hasn't yet been eradicated. "I haven't solved that problem yet, else it would have gone," jokes Jos. "We can't eliminate it as easily as COVID-19. We have this virtually under control after 18 months. ToBRFV has been around much longer, and we haven't gotten rid of it yet," he says, more seriously.
What's the solution? "I think we're moving toward laboratory-like environments. Even very strict greenhouse farms get the virus anyway. That's not your fault then." Perhaps there's an opportunity for indoor farms, where the virus has less chance of getting in, Jos reckons.
Carts
One of the ways in which the virus can enter a farm is via carts. "A virus always needs a carrier. Unlike bacteria, viruses can't survive on their own." So, cart disinfection is vital. Jos is getting the most demand for this from Russia and North America. That doesn't necessarily mean the virus is more prevalent there. It's simply that many large projects are being carried out in those areas.
A cart disinfection lane
Disinfection
It doesn't end with carts. There an increase in area disinfection demand at Frans Veugen too. "Not only during crop rotation but also in between. It's corridors, process areas, canteens, toilet areas. Even in areas where there are no plants, you nevertheless have to disinfect them periodically."
A fog apparatus is used for this. It's sometimes the same as that in the greenhouse. For the smaller areas, they use smaller foggers. It's important to disinfect because you can get infected anywhere. "We saw that with the other virus. The virus doesn't take a break when you do."
There are spaces where logistics intersect, where everyone gathers. Disinfecting those areas is essential. "So, disinfection is increasingly occurring outside of the greenhouse."
Focus
Despite all the measures taken, the virus keeps spreading, agrees Jos. "But we naturally want to eradicate it; a healthy sector is best." To achieve that, focus is paramount. "Usually, hygiene is relevant for a few weeks or months."
"Then people lose focus again. It's very difficult to keep the chain closed. That requires a lot of discipline. But business-wise, you can't afford to become 'virus-weary'. Else, the sector will never be rid of it," he concludes.
For more information:
Frans Veugen Bedrijfshygiëne B.V.
9 Platina Street
6031 TW, Nederweert, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 495 460 188
Emial: jos@fransveugen.nl
Website: www.fransveugen.nl