BioVerbeek, an organic greenhouse company based in Velden in the Netherlands, supplies organic peppers and tomatoes to all major supermarket chains in the country. In collaboration with plant breeding company De Bolster, the company is working on the development of strong pepper rootstocks. Co-owner and managing director Don Heijligers discussed this collaboration with the breeding company. He progressed from student to co-owner and board member, a role he has held since the previous year. "Like De Bolster, we are constantly working on innovation. That is the only way to build a healthy company with a long-term future."
Heijligers strongly believes in organic cultivation, which he considers more robust than conventional production systems. According to him, this is largely due to the soil-based nature of organic cultivation. "Because we grow in soil, there is a large buffer in the system. Our crops can go a week without irrigation without immediately collapsing. It is a much more resilient system, and you can see that in the crops: they are stronger and have more flavor. I am convinced that in the future we may even catch up with conventional production in terms of yield."
To move in that direction, BioVerbeek invests considerable time and resources in research, including studies on fungi and bacteria in the soil. The company also operates a 1,000 m² trial greenhouse where continuous testing takes place. Innovation is essential for maintaining a healthy business, Heijligers says. "We are constantly introducing new techniques and improving our understanding of soil processes. For example, we use cameras and sensors to monitor how plants are performing, we assess which processes can be robotized, and we continue to improve the packaging of our products, which is handled internally."
The growers are also experimenting with artificial intelligence and aim to phase out the use of natural gas in the coming years through a combination of measures. Additional energy screens have been installed, and the company hopes to eventually use a biomeiler system. The necessary permits for this project are currently being pursued, while the company also keeps track of technologies such as e-boilers, heat pumps and battery storage.
Another key focus area is pest prevention, where the soil again forms the basis for developing resilient plants.
© De Bolster biologische zaden
Developing pepper rootstocks together
In its trial greenhouse, BioVerbeek collaborates with De Bolster to develop strong pepper rootstocks onto which scions are grafted. Many of the challenges in pepper cultivation are related to weak root systems.
"The Bolster is a market leader in the development of high-quality pepper rootstocks," Heijligers explains. "We already grow 5 hectares of the 'Skyborn F1' rootstock in our production greenhouse. This rootstock is highly resistant to nematodes—soil-borne pests that can cause serious problems in cultivation. In our trial greenhouse we test new rootstocks. We exchange ideas frequently and learn a great deal from each other. What I appreciate about the organic sector is that there is little competition between companies; we all share the same mission."
This is an adapted version of the complete story that appeared on the De Bolster website.
For more information:
De Bolster Organic Seeds
[email protected]
www.bolster.nl
BioVerbeek
www.bioverbeek.nl/
