BREEDING FOR A CHANGING INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Seeds are the first link in the vegetable production chain. Seeds of superior genetic and physiological quality, provided in an optimal product form, are a precondition for a profitable and competitive production chain. Greenhouse vegetable production is a knowledge and capital-intensive production system that is highly innovative. Developing new varieties and producing and selling seeds of these varieties is traditionally the core business of the seed company. However, as a partner in the production chain, the task of the seed company has expanded. Nowadays it also includes providing the partners in the production chain with detailed information about the varieties and organizing feedback from partners further up the chain to the breeder to adapt breeding criteria to market needs. Introduction of new laboratory techniques in breeding in the last decade has speeded up the selection process, but also has increased costs. But even with all new tools the development of a new variety still takes at least five years. Therefore it is very important for the breeder not only to know the present day variety requirements in the chain, but also to have a good view on future developments. Developments in the vegetable production chain are driven by demands of consumers, retail, wholesales, growing companies and society. The wealthy consumer of the western societies wants external and internal quality, convenience, is sensitive to the health aspects of his food, and is looking for new experiences. Retail wants to meet the consumer's demands with a superior product that is year-round available in the same high quality. Growing companies evolve into large-scale rationalized, sometimes multinational enterprises, struggling to maintain profit margins by increasing yield and reducing costs. Last but not least society and politics influence the production process by setting standards for pollution and energy use. Reduction of inputs of labour, pesticides and energy per product unit are challenges to both breeders and growers. In the future, pesticide use may be restricted to certified companies, and pesticide volumes will be reduced by targeted applications. Seed applications will be an important means of reducing pesticide volumes. In response to the demands of society, part of the vegetable chain will go into organic production, requiring organic seeds of adapted varieties. In response to concerns about food safety, the partners in the production chain will try to achieve maximum transparency, using means such as registration and certification, with all possibilities of tracing and tracking. To provide the consumer with a safe product of known origin and superior quality, the partners in the chain will cooperate closely. Seed companies, with their international network, play a stimulating role in this chain co-operation.

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