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International Strawberry Congress 2017

The International Strawberry Congress took place from 7 – 9 September. Interesting speakers presented various lectures on 7 and 8 September in the Flanders Meeting Convention Center in Antwerp.
The International Strawberry Congress took place from 7 – 9 September. Interesting speakers presented various lectures on 7 and 8 September in the Flanders Meeting Convention Center in Antwerp.
The congress was located in the heart of Antwerp, close to the beautiful Station.
The congress was located in the heart of Antwerp, close to the beautiful Station.
Mieke Thoelen of BelOrta and Filip van Buynder of BVB Substrates.
Mieke Thoelen of BelOrta and Filip van Buynder of BVB Substrates.
The visitors are welcomed and badges printed.
The visitors are welcomed and badges printed.
Preparation for the congress.
Preparation for the congress.
Johan van Alphen of Special Fruit with Antoon Ector of Infia Belgium (IPB Natura).
Johan van Alphen of Special Fruit with Antoon Ector of Infia Belgium (IPB Natura).
Delicious wraps.
Delicious wraps.
Curd Vanmarcke (Vergro), Philippe Appeltans (VBT) and Laurent De Snedt of Greenyard Fresh.
Curd Vanmarcke (Vergro), Philippe Appeltans (VBT) and Laurent De Snedt of Greenyard Fresh.
F.l.t.r.: Gaston Opdekamp (Hoogstraten), Jan Prinsen (Fresh Food Institute), Philip Smits (ex-director of The Greenery), Chris de Pooter (BelOrta) and Maarten de Moor (LAVA).
F.l.t.r.: Gaston Opdekamp (Hoogstraten), Jan Prinsen (Fresh Food Institute), Philip Smits (ex-director of The Greenery), Chris de Pooter (BelOrta) and Maarten de Moor (LAVA).
Gaston Opdekamp, Hoogstraten Cooperative’s director, opens the event and says the consumer is this, the central figure in the third edition of the International Strawberry Congress.
Gaston Opdekamp, Hoogstraten Cooperative’s director, opens the event and says the consumer is this, the central figure in the third edition of the International Strawberry Congress.
There was a large audience. More than 300 people registered for the event.
There was a large audience. More than 300 people registered for the event.
Willem Van der Does (BG Door International) and Nico Harteveld (Koppert Biological Systems).
Willem Van der Does (BG Door International) and Nico Harteveld (Koppert Biological Systems).
Conversations were held during the breaks.
Conversations were held during the breaks.
Miguel Demaeght (BelOrta) and Jan-Willem Schrijver (Emerson Cargo Solutions).
Miguel Demaeght (BelOrta) and Jan-Willem Schrijver (Emerson Cargo Solutions).
Nicole Gallace (Proefcentrum Fruitteelt) and Gavin Linsley-Noakes (Professional Horticultural Consulting Ltd).
Nicole Gallace (Proefcentrum Fruitteelt) and Gavin Linsley-Noakes (Professional Horticultural Consulting Ltd).
Translators,DMaaike Clarysse and Elisa Gallego.
Translators,DMaaike Clarysse and Elisa Gallego.
Philip Lieten (Fragaria Holland), Babino Casas (Planasa) and Marion Deichmann (Hokerei).
Philip Lieten (Fragaria Holland), Babino Casas (Planasa) and Marion Deichmann (Hokerei).
Caroline Labrie (WUR), Bert Meulenbroek (Fresh Forward Breeding), Bert De Vries (Vissers) and Juul Swinkels (Vissers).
Caroline Labrie (WUR), Bert Meulenbroek (Fresh Forward Breeding), Bert De Vries (Vissers) and Juul Swinkels (Vissers).
Guillaume Lefranc and Pedro Alvarez of Goemar Lab. (Arysta Group).
Guillaume Lefranc and Pedro Alvarez of Goemar Lab. (Arysta Group).
Daniel Smith and Roger Vogels of S&A Produce (UK) Limited.
Daniel Smith and Roger Vogels of S&A Produce (UK) Limited.
Matthew Moays and Bert Koek (Sensitech).
Matthew Moays and Bert Koek (Sensitech).
Visitors could find all sorts of information regarding strawberries.
Visitors could find all sorts of information regarding strawberries.
Rene Hylkema (Freshmax NZ) and Hannah Aelterman (Ildri Trafing & Xonsulting Ltd).
Rene Hylkema (Freshmax NZ) and Hannah Aelterman (Ildri Trafing & Xonsulting Ltd).
Carmen Alice Leida, Elena Piccoli and Mauro Miserocchi (CIV – Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti Scarl)
Carmen Alice Leida, Elena Piccoli and Mauro Miserocchi (CIV – Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti Scarl)
The strawberry picking robot.
The strawberry picking robot.
The smiling faces of the sponsors, Herkuplast. F.l.t.r.: Paul Greenhalgh (PG Horticulture Ltd), Joost Thijssen (Van Krimpen BV), Alfred Boot (Herkuplast Kubern Gmbh) and Mike Gitzels (Gitzels Horti) Projects).
The smiling faces of the sponsors, Herkuplast. F.l.t.r.: Paul Greenhalgh (PG Horticulture Ltd), Joost Thijssen (Van Krimpen BV), Alfred Boot (Herkuplast Kubern Gmbh) and Mike Gitzels (Gitzels Horti) Projects).
Rong Zhang (IRTA) and Lijuan Meng (Ghent University).
Rong Zhang (IRTA) and Lijuan Meng (Ghent University).
Danny Geelen (Ghent University) and Dany Bylemans (Proefcentrum Fruitteelt).
Danny Geelen (Ghent University) and Dany Bylemans (Proefcentrum Fruitteelt).
After the congress and before the dinner, there was time to visit Antwerp Zoo. ISC participants were able to visit this attraction, free of charge, for an hour.
After the congress and before the dinner, there was time to visit Antwerp Zoo. ISC participants were able to visit this attraction, free of charge, for an hour.
Flamboyant flamingoes.
Flamboyant flamingoes.
The entrance to the dinner: a sumptuous barbecue.
The entrance to the dinner: a sumptuous barbecue.
Philiep Willems and Miguel Demaeght (BelOrta).
Philiep Willems and Miguel Demaeght (BelOrta).
Interesting conversations were held.
Interesting conversations were held.
Aart Jan Bos (Beekenkamp Verpakkingen), Balbino Casas (Planasa) and Harri Kokko (University of Eastern Finland).
Aart Jan Bos (Beekenkamp Verpakkingen), Balbino Casas (Planasa) and Harri Kokko (University of Eastern Finland).
Jan Hendrik zum Felde (Frutival) and Eva Maria Ekman (Bonjuice GmbH-Doehler).
Jan Hendrik zum Felde (Frutival) and Eva Maria Ekman (Bonjuice GmbH-Doehler).
Ruud Venner, Thijs van Dijk and Rob D'Hont of Fresh Forward Breeding
Ruud Venner, Thijs van Dijk and Rob D'Hont of Fresh Forward Breeding
Chris de Pooter (BelOrta), Rik Decadt (REO), Hans Vanderhallen (Hoogstraten) Maarten de Moor (LAVA), Antoon Ector (IPB Natura) and Fabio Zoboli (Infia).
Chris de Pooter (BelOrta), Rik Decadt (REO), Hans Vanderhallen (Hoogstraten) Maarten de Moor (LAVA), Antoon Ector (IPB Natura) and Fabio Zoboli (Infia).
Hardy Alexandre (SCEA),Olivier Guillon (Premier Tech Horticulture) and Remi Naasz (Premier Tech Horticulture).
Hardy Alexandre (SCEA),Olivier Guillon (Premier Tech Horticulture) and Remi Naasz (Premier Tech Horticulture).
Mouth-watering food.
Mouth-watering food.
Matthias Vanheenfields (journalist), Lijuan Meng and Brit Merlaen (Ghent University).
Matthias Vanheenfields (journalist), Lijuan Meng and Brit Merlaen (Ghent University).
Enjoyable dinner in a beautiful hall.
Enjoyable dinner in a beautiful hall.
Marco Rosario Butera (Consorzio Piccoli Frutti), Lucilla Danesi (Geoplant Vivai srl Societa Agricola), Michele Montanari (Geoplant Vivai srl Societa Agricola) and Franco Zenti.
Marco Rosario Butera (Consorzio Piccoli Frutti), Lucilla Danesi (Geoplant Vivai srl Societa Agricola), Michele Montanari (Geoplant Vivai srl Societa Agricola) and Franco Zenti.
Steven Oosterloo and Marcel Suiken of Flevo Berry.
Steven Oosterloo and Marcel Suiken of Flevo Berry.
Enough vegetables on the plate.
Enough vegetables on the plate.
…
Enjoy dinner!
Enjoy dinner!
Bert Meulenbroek (Fresh Forward Breeding) and Ad Klaassen (Dutch Produce Association).
Bert Meulenbroek (Fresh Forward Breeding) and Ad Klaassen (Dutch Produce Association).
Hillary Thomas (Naturipe Berry Growers), Guillermo Maldonado (Darensberries), Hunter Chad (Darensberries), Kevin Gee and Patrick Gee (Darensberries).
Hillary Thomas (Naturipe Berry Growers), Guillermo Maldonado (Darensberries), Hunter Chad (Darensberries), Kevin Gee and Patrick Gee (Darensberries).
Jan Engelen with his ladies. F.l.t.r.: Leen Matthe, JolienSpartel, Jan Engelen eand Sarah Van Trier.
Jan Engelen with his ladies. F.l.t.r.: Leen Matthe, JolienSpartel, Jan Engelen eand Sarah Van Trier.
Nick Laister (DPS), Gert Noeyens (SVZ), Bieke de Vos (SVZ) and Mark Pixley-Young (DPS).
Nick Laister (DPS), Gert Noeyens (SVZ), Bieke de Vos (SVZ) and Mark Pixley-Young (DPS).
Matt Gold, Mike Gitzels, Alfred Boot, Maria Jesus Ferrando (Projar SA) and Paul Greenhalgh.
Matt Gold, Mike Gitzels, Alfred Boot, Maria Jesus Ferrando (Projar SA) and Paul Greenhalgh.
Klaus Olbricht (Hansabred GmbH & Co), Pedro Domínguez (Planasa) and Juan Carlos.
Klaus Olbricht (Hansabred GmbH & Co), Pedro Domínguez (Planasa) and Juan Carlos.
Jan Janse (Wageningen UR) and Ab Van Spijk (Rijk Zwaan).
Jan Janse (Wageningen UR) and Ab Van Spijk (Rijk Zwaan).
Tom Coen and Jan Anthonis of Octinion (The robotic picker).
Tom Coen and Jan Anthonis of Octinion (The robotic picker).
Luca Mazzoni (UNIVPM), Erika Kruger (Hochschule Geisenheim University) and Franco Capocasa (UNIVPM).
Luca Mazzoni (UNIVPM), Erika Kruger (Hochschule Geisenheim University) and Franco Capocasa (UNIVPM).
Peter Melis (Hoogstraten Test Centre), Filip Van Buynder (BVB) and Filip Van Langenhove.
Peter Melis (Hoogstraten Test Centre), Filip Van Buynder (BVB) and Filip Van Langenhove.
Marion Deichman, Ola Tranell, Nele Indevuyst and Jan Urlings.
Marion Deichman, Ola Tranell, Nele Indevuyst and Jan Urlings.
Jelger de Vriend doing quality control on the strawberries.
Jelger de Vriend doing quality control on the strawberries.
Dessert was delicious, laden with strawberries.
Dessert was delicious, laden with strawberries.
…
What could be better than strawberries, raspberries and chocolate?
What could be better than strawberries, raspberries and chocolate?
Strawberries, kiwis and pineapple. A tasty, healthy combination.
Strawberries, kiwis and pineapple. A tasty, healthy combination.
Gael Fretay (Aber Consulting), Nicolas Le Roch (Arkema) and Linda Kaluzny - Pinon (L'Arboriculture fruitiere & Culture Legumiere).
Gael Fretay (Aber Consulting), Nicolas Le Roch (Arkema) and Linda Kaluzny - Pinon (L'Arboriculture fruitiere & Culture Legumiere).
Andrew Horvath (Arkema), Gavin Linsley-Noakes (Professional Horticultural Consulting Ltd) and Adam Whitehouse (NIAB).
Andrew Horvath (Arkema), Gavin Linsley-Noakes (Professional Horticultural Consulting Ltd) and Adam Whitehouse (NIAB).
Jelger De Vriend and Karin Gorree of Innovative Fresh.
Jelger De Vriend and Karin Gorree of Innovative Fresh.
Ann Schenk (VBT), Dirk Van den Plas (Hoogstraten), Gert Noeyens (SVZ) and Bieke de Vos (SVZ).
Ann Schenk (VBT), Dirk Van den Plas (Hoogstraten), Gert Noeyens (SVZ) and Bieke de Vos (SVZ).
Strawberries and kiwi fruit in abundance.
Strawberries and kiwi fruit in abundance.
There was a lot of interest in Octinion’s robotic picker.
There was a lot of interest in Octinion’s robotic picker.
How are strawberries harvested?
How are strawberries harvested?
Paul van de Mierop (Den Berk) and Jef Brosens.
Paul van de Mierop (Den Berk) and Jef Brosens.
Nele Van Avermaet (VLAM), Sofie Lambrecht (BelOrta), Nele Indevuyst (Messe Berlin) and Thais Mees (VLAM).
Nele Van Avermaet (VLAM), Sofie Lambrecht (BelOrta), Nele Indevuyst (Messe Berlin) and Thais Mees (VLAM).
Willem Van der Does tries kiwi fruit for the first time.
Willem Van der Does tries kiwi fruit for the first time.
A lot of interest in Flevo Berry’s varieties.
A lot of interest in Flevo Berry’s varieties.
…
Side conversations in between the sessions.
Side conversations in between the sessions.
And delicious food, of course..
And delicious food, of course..
Then Idri team. F.l.t.r.: Sarah de Laethauwer, Stan Aelterman, Johan Aelterman, Braham De Laethauwer, Carmen Leida (CIV) and Hannah Aelterman.
Then Idri team. F.l.t.r.: Sarah de Laethauwer, Stan Aelterman, Johan Aelterman, Braham De Laethauwer, Carmen Leida (CIV) and Hannah Aelterman.
…
Hoogstraten dessert: Tiramusi with strawberries.
Hoogstraten dessert: Tiramusi with strawberries.
Natalie Snijers between the lads: Johan van Alphen an Paul Van de Mierop.
Natalie Snijers between the lads: Johan van Alphen an Paul Van de Mierop.