Dutch production of greenhouse grown strawberries has been growing for years. In the spring, the market makes use of the strawberry production, but in the autumn a bottleneck occurs. This is one of the subjects that was discussed this week at the 'Aardbeiendag' (Strawberry day) and the Soft Fruit Conference in Den Bosch. The two events attracted more than 500 visitors each.
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Filip van Buynder and Leon Daniels from BVB Substrates
While the total outside strawberry cultivation area is shrinking, greenhouse cultivation has been growing considerably the last few years. Greenhouse cultivation grew by 8% last year, and the CBS calculated 320 acres of strawberries being grown in greenhouses. Fruit growers are making the switch over to strawberries and greenhouses that are for sale. This is one of the few crops that has had good numbers the past few years, "There is still financial room to expand," says Eric Boot from BVB Substrates. As more greenhouses pop up so does the production per m2 and the quality. "And the season becomes longer," explains Boot, "There are more and more options becoming available to grow outside the normal seasons." But is there more room in the market for expansion? "In the spring time there is more room. In April and May the market is big enough to take on extra fruit. But the problem comes in the autumn when a bottleneck occurs. The plants that are traditionally planted in August, are at full production. In October there is a production peak because there are too many competing fruits on the market."
DLV Plant team (DLV organized the exhibition)
Boot is looking for solutions for the autumn production peak. Some possible solutions; planting by carriers, new varieties, and changing the marketing and distribution of the supply. These solutions are just one of the aspects Boot is thinking about. It was one of the subjects discussed at Aardbeiendag. This event has been going since 2004 by DLV Plant, BVB Substrates and ZLTO. The day before yesterday more than 520 people came together to discuss these issues and to visit the accompanying exhibition. On this day 80% of the Dutch strawberry sector comes together. Both cultivation and trade were discussed - the day is meant to bring everyone together, "The emphasis is on the production side, but when it comes to a profitable crop, sales are also important."
Following the Aardbeiendag, the International Soft Fruit Conference was held on Thursday. This is Boot's fifth year organizing this event with Willem van Eldik from DLV Plant. More than 500 visitors also attended the International Soft Fruit Conference, "Including those who gave readings, we totalled around 550 to 560 people," says Boot. "With more than 26 different nationalities." Along with the Dutch, there were also Scandinavians, English, German, Italian, French, Chinese, Korean and Eastern European visitors.
Below chart in Dutch:
Development of strawberry acreage in the Netherlands, CBS
Below chart in Dutch:
Development of strawberry acreage in the Netherlands, CBS
Each country has it's own set of needs and problems, but on both days organic crop protection was high on the agenda, "We have to take the step. Not only are we learning more and more about this, but there are also more possibilities in organic protection for crops." The best thing to happen would be if the market could see what is happening with organic crop protection, and how safe the products are, says Boot. However, that has not been the case so far, "Both with covered crops and outdoor crops fewer and fewer resources are available. And, if one agent is banned, it is often the case that you can't use other agents as well. If you use a chemical soaping agent that helps your useful insects, it will go through your entire pest management plan. That is something you will have to deal with."
Last night the conference attendees dined together. Today, strawberry week will conclude with a tour of the Dutch strawberry sector: horticulture company Genson in Someren (which uses climate control techniques and LED lighting), the nursery 'Twan van Gennip' in Someren (where preservation of the plants is central), and the nursery 'Het Broek Softfruitplants' in Mariaheiden (where the cultivation is treated).
Bekijk de fotoreportage hier.
For more information:
http://www.zlto-events.nl/aardbeiendag