This year, experimental garden Randwijk will realise a new parcel of organic production by order of FruitMasters. Various varieties of top fruit will be planted under a cover on 6,000 square metres. The cooperative would like to have researched how profitable it is to grow their concept varieties organically in Dutch climate conditions. The trial will last at least five years.
FruitMasters works on the organic trial parcel with Jan Peeters of experimental garden Randwijk.
“We see potential in the organic production of our concept varieties,” says Mattijs Wakker, production specialist for FruitMasters. “On the trial parcel in Randwijk we grow Migo, Kanzi and Tessa in a covered environment, among other varieties, and we planted Elstar and Conference as reference varieties. The cover prevents the trees from getting wet in the rain, so that we can avoid fungal infections. We’re striving to reduce spraying considerably, which includes limiting organic substances as much as possible. With this organic trial parcel, we’re researching whether we can realise an optimal organic production result for our concept varieties this way, and we’re attaining material to see how our concept varieties are received in organic sales. By always striving for a sustainable fruit production, we all reap the harvest.”
Various top fruit varieties grow under a cover and on more than half a hectare.
Experimental garden of Randwijk will take care of the trial parcel. The product is planted under a film cover combined with a hail net. The cover isn’t completely closed off, but consists of 2.5 metres of cover over each row, with a strip of 1.5 metres of hail netting between the rows. An investment in insect netting is scheduled as well. The aim of the study is to find out more about organic, covered production over five years. The trial garden monitors diseases and pests. Quality and yield are also recorded.
For more information:
FruitMasters
Deilseweg 7
Postbus 222
4190 CE Geldermalsen, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 345 57 88 08
www.fruitmastersholland.nl