Photos taken with a drone
Whereas growers used to focus on innovative packaging such as shakers, they are moving more and more away from that lately. "It isn't easy to set up a special line with an English or Dutch retailer. We are trying to specialise more in sending loose product that is packaged in England which suits us better. I see more of a future in selling loose berries," says Sil. He is trying more new varieties in his own testing fields. "There are a number of tasty new varieties with a lot of potential that we hope to introduce over the next few years."
Wind turbines
Sil has been spared from damages in his cultivation so far. "We have been safe from rain and hail damage. We were able to ward off night frost with wind turbines this spring, which meant we were able to save the first flowers. We have 3.5 hectares under plastic to protect them against all kinds of weather influences," says the grower, who organises the sales of 60 hectares of his own cultivation and that of fellow growers in total.
"We are also keeping the suzuki fruit fly under control. There are some about, but not as much as last year," says Sil. He remains optimistic about the season. "During the holidays there isn't much to gain for us. We have to get through this time. The prices will normalise once everyone is back at school!"
For more information:
Sil Moonen
Mortel 27
6088 AH Roggel
Tel: 0031 (0) 475-494727
Mob: 0031 (0) 6-53288523
sil@silmoonen.nl
www.berryfarm.nl