News

Blueleaf cucumber varieties are securing our food future by providing growers with stronger and more reliable plants, and the market with darker and more attractive fruit.

With effect from 01 July 2019 the International Bremia Evaluation Board Europe (IBEB-EU) has designated a new official race of downy mildew in lettuce, Bl:36EU.

A spoon, a wrap, and that crunchy bite as you sink your teeth into a healthy taco – lettuce has always been the foundation for tasty salads, but with recent innovations the humble leaf now offers much more.

The future of farming and food production is a shared responsibility. While the world’s population is increasing at a rapid rate, and available arable land and water are becoming increasingly scarce, this presents opportunities for key players in the industry to explore new pathways for vegetable development.

The world of food, fibre and farming will come together this month to focus on global food security, and Rijk Zwaan will demonstrate our corporate social responsibility through innovations in vegetable breeding that are helping to sustain cucumber production and increase lettuce consumption.

From convenience foods and technology that tracks consumer behaviour, to eco-friendly and ‘flavour’ packaging, there is a lot to learn from our counterparts in Europe, according to Nicky Mann of Family Fresh Farms who recently returned from an AUSVEG European Industry Leadership and Development Mission.

A dedicated laboratory and phytopathology scientist based at Rijk Zwaan Australia’s head office addresses the need for speed and local expertise in plant pest and disease management.

Australian growers have the opportunity to visit Rijk Zwaan’s state-of-the-art facilities in Holland, as well as a protected cropping demonstration greenhouse in Spain, as part of the AUSVEG European Industry Leadership and Development Mission in February 2019.

Sitting in an accountant’s office, Mark and Gabrielle Millis were told their tomato business wasn’t viable. They were juggling five young sons, multiple bank loans and while they weren’t losing money, they weren’t making much either. But, luckily for the Australian hydroponic vegetable industry, Mark had a dogged determination and a fierce belief in quality produce, and so began the foundations of Flavorite Tomatoes, the country’s largest, family owned glasshouse fresh produce business.

A new cabbage variety will make a point of transforming the Australian fresh cabbage market by offering more opportunities for growers and a sweeter product for consumers.