Two years ago, when there was still harvesting to be done in a striking Brazilian-Dutch greenhouse project, Arjan Kouwenhoven of Fonte Verde Agro said: "It's certainly not an easy job here. Then, at the end of 2020, the first plants were planted, the project made it onto Brazilian TV, and now phase 2 is imminent. In mid-August, just over 1.5 hectares will be built, Arjan tells us from Brazil.
Greenhouse builder Havecon will build the greenhouse with local support. Phase two will double the acreage in the project. Because of Covid, the project needed some more time to get started, but now the tomatoes are growing, and harvesting is taking place. The main variety in the greenhouse is Xandor.
Pictured right: Arjan points out the greenhouse, picture via LinkedIn
Weather transitions
In our conversation with Arjan, we already talked about the cultivation and the challenges in Brazil. On location in Andradas, about a four-hour drive from Sao Paolo, there is talk of 'a challenging climate'. "The plant reacts differently than in the Netherlands, for example, or in other countries where the varieties we cultivate are grown," says Arjan.
The biggest challenge is the weather changes, even in the greenhouse. "You have to deal with these weather changes. You have to go from 2500 to 500 joules and visa versa. That can be quite tricky."
Quality from the greenhouse
The majority of tomatoes in the country now come from outdoor crops. Arjan said at the time: "There are large growers there with hundreds of hectares, but they are all outdoors. The varieties they grow have to be able to withstand a lot, and this is clearly at the expense of quality.
Growing in a glass greenhouse sets the project apart. The growers are busy mastering tomato cultivation. "If it's easy, there's no challenge," Arjan concludes the brief update. We are sure to hear more about the project.
The team from Fonte Verde Agro, photo via LinkedIn
For more information:
Fonte Verde Agro
www.fonteverdeagro.com.br