Participants, many of whom had not physically attended a trade fair since the COVID breakout in March 2020, were delighted to hear that the event would not be canceled this year. The municipality saw ample possibilities for the safe organization of the event and actively contributed its ideas to this.
For this reason, the seventh edition could be held in an adequately COVID-proof manner. The enthusiasm among this year’s exhibitors was great, with over 60 companies demonstrating their latest technologies and varieties, as well as various machines, devices, systems, and equipment.
Photo credits: Venhuis Communicatie Producties
One of this year’s newcomers among the participants was Videometer, a company that is based in Denmark and develops instruments for analyzing seeds based on spectral images and Artificial Intelligence technology. Judging by the packed auditorium at a lecture on this technology, the topic was of considerable interest to many.
Apart from the lectures organized by various participants, the event also featured two symposia. ‘The use of sensors in the seed business’ focused on the practical application of sensors in various crops. Aside from a general summary of the sensors currently in use and their operation by Ghent University, both Wireless Value and LetsGrow.com discussed the possibilities presented by sensors today and the platforms to which they can be connected.
Photo credits: Venhuis Communicatie Producties
‘Technical and legal opportunities for biostimulants in the seed sector’ presented a summary of the legislation to be implemented in the near future, regarding which an explanation was provided by Harm Smit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. This was followed by a presentation by Dirk Bakker of Van Iperen explaining the application of biostimulants in the seed trade. Matthijs Blind (Vertify) presented the results of four years of research on the use of biostimulants in various crops in connection with the Bio4safe Interreg project.
The two symposia were digitally recorded for later viewing. PDF versions of the exhibitors’ presentations have been published on the website. The files can be accessed at www.seedmeetstechnology.com/program.
Seed companies
The outdoor area with the demo fields was expanded this year. In addition to Sakata’s platform and Takii’s demo fields, Wing Seed (cabbage) and Gautier Semences (lettuce) were also present at the field. Gautier Semences also showcased its hydroponically grown lettuce varieties in the foil tunnel. A Variety Tour was organized twice a day, taking participants around the demo fields with explanations provided by specialists in open cultivation.
2022 Edition
The next edition of this event will take place from 27 to 29 September 2022. You can register for a stand or a demo field by sending an email to [email protected].