More than 2,500 visitors came to Apple day in Cothen, The Netherlands on Thursday June 25th. This is more than double that of two years ago. DLV Plant and the central Netherlands Dutch fruit growers organization (NFO) look back at the highly successful Apple day that was held at Toon Vernooij's fruit growing company.
NFO chairman Michiel Gerritsen, Gerard Kiviet from DLV Plant and the mayor of Cothen, Mr. Poppens, led the official opening. There were many opportunities to learn more about apple crops. Groups of growers took a tour of the apple and pear orchards with Rene Bal from DLV, who explained more about the practical tests they run. Of course, natural pest control and strong and sustainable cultivation were important topics of the day. Planting in the margins of the fields in order to promote bee activity has been another important topic this year.
Another very important topic was using herbicides and fungicides in the most natural way possible. Serenade from Bayer is an organic fungicide for the Botrytis cinerea fungus. The drain water project, which purifies waste water, has also received attention. Showing off how the machines work is always a hit here in this fruit growing country. The fruit sector has been busy in the area of innovations. There were various novelties to see at Apple day, including the Greenbot: a robot tractor with no place for a driver. This and other mechanization demos were able to be carried out among the orchard due to the nice weather.
The location was perfect for the supplier filled company market. This was the fifth annual Apple day; it has become a noteworthy event for apple cultivation, even with international attention.
Click here to see the full photo album
Photo's: Corline Boekhout, Andrea van den Hoven and Daan Sturm
The location was perfect for the supplier filled company market. This was the fifth annual Apple day; it has become a noteworthy event for apple cultivation, even with international attention.
Click here to see the full photo album
Photo's: Corline Boekhout, Andrea van den Hoven and Daan Sturm