How vegetable breeding contributes to a more sustainable future.

Nowadays, consumers pay much attention to sustainability, organic produce, low pesticide levels, alternatives to plastic packaging and so on. According to Forbrugerrådet Tæk, the consumer association in Denmark, such retailers as Coop, Aldi and Lidl are responding to this consumer request by demanding that their suppliers stay well below the legal limits for levels of pesticides. 

Rijk Zwaan explains how vegetable breeding companies can contribute to this. The CleanLeaf® aubergine concept is a good example.

Rijk Zwaan’s CleanLeaf® concept meets consumer demands related to sustainability. The first variety that was recently launched is Kesia RZ, thrives in Mediterranean climate, and is also suitable for biological cultivation. CleanLeaf® aubergine is less attractive to certain pests as they are hairless. This improves integrated pest management and means that less spraying is needed, which results in less residue on the fruits. Moreover, Kesia RZ has a good shelf life, resulting in less food waste.

About Rijk Zwaan

Rijk Zwaan is a family-owned vegetable breeding company which ranks fourth on the global vegetable seed market, with a market share of 9 percent. Collaborating with its partners, the company is aiming to stimulate vegetable consumption by developing new varieties of vegetables. Rijk Zwaan currently offers 25-plus crops and has subsidiaries in over 30 countries around the world, including in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. CleanLeaf® is one of Rijk Zwaan’s recent innovations.

For more information, please visit their website.