More resistant varieties in future

Agriculturalist Better3fruit continues to develop new varieties. One of the varieties that’s been commercial since last year, and that is under licence of ABCz, is now being widely planted in Europe. “Kizuri is a red variety, it’s very sweet and has a distinct aroma and a powerful flavour. We always have different apples for our visitors to taste, and the Kizuri shelves are always empty. It’s going quickly now, ABCz has finalised the first contracts and production will be commercial as of next year. We’ll be hearing more about this. In less than five years, the area will increase to between 350 and 400 hectares in Europe and the rest of the world still has to follow. It’s a proper ‘winner.’ Kizuri means good and sweet, and that sums up the entire apple. Kizuri is a cross between Golden Delicious and a ‘number’ that never became a variety,” says Nicolas Stevens from Better3fruit.

Everyone is welcome at Better3fruit. “We are very transparent and we think it’s important that people know they can come here to taste and see the varieties. Better3fruit has many new varieties that are ready. There’s something for everyone. And the great thing is that we never know in advance what a party is looking for exactly, but we always find out together during a consultation and tasting session.”

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He indicates they are also open to cooperation with parties that want to roll out varieties on a global level. “We’d prefer replacing a major variety like Elstar or Gala with one of our newer varieties. We naturally don’t turn down other cooperation, but being globally active is our goal. Improving varieties is an enormously long-lasting and difficult process, and long-term cooperation with larger groups can mean a true validation of our improving. Nowadays, we, and other agriculturalists are also regularly approached by retail. This usually concerns exclusive cooperation with one or a few growers and an entirely ‘owned’ variety.”

Resistant varieties

Nicolas says there’s more and more demand for resistant varieties. “Retailers and consumers ask for fewer residues and fewer chemicals. We therefore have to develop stronger varieties that are resistant to diseases that occur often. That way, growers can deliver a wonderful product to consumers without too many treatments. Better3fruit has already developed these varieties and we hope to contribute to the healthy society of tomorrow this way.” Growers are also more dedicated to residue-free farming nowadays. “Residue-free is still misunderstood by some consumers. The product isn’t grown without pesticides, but these are used as little as possible so that they completely decompose after harvesting, and nothing is left of them. Besides, it’s sometimes also confused with organic. That’s also a different story. For organic, growers use other, more natural means than with conventional farming. Residue-free is more of a mix between organic and conventional. All in all, we’ve seen the entire sector start paying attention to the use of pesticides. No grower uses a lot of chemicals for fun, but it’s just important to have a harvest guarantee.” He says one isn’t better than another one. “What I am saying is that we’re headed for resistant varieties, without making concessions to quality. That’s a requirement that will continue to have.”