Innovative Limburg breeding companies work together

Four innovative Limburg breeding companies have decided to work together under the name of Veredelingsnetwerk Limburg. The primary goal is to be able to present themselves to the sector and the labor market. They are Bejo, Novisem, Limgroup and BASF Vegetable Seeds (Nunhems). All companies develop high quality varieties and new technologies and export vegetable starting materials and related technologies to customers around the world.

Food of the Future

The companies form an important basis for healthy food and a sustainable world. For example, they use breeding to develop vegetables with an extra large amount of vitamins or minerals. Or a melon that tells itself when it is ripe. Plants that are resistant to diseases and pests and can grow under extreme climate conditions also start with seed breeding.
Wil Strous of Bejo Zaden, one of the initiators: "In this way we are making an important contribution to solving the world food problem. In seed and plant distribution we are working on new, healthy vegetable and fruit varieties. We are the very first step in the food chain. The place where the food of the future is developed."

Green high tech

The seed breeding companies talk about green high tech, because the agricultural world and that of high tech intersect. Ad Braat of BASF Vegetable Seeds: "We are constantly working on the further development and implementation of new technologies. These include drones with camera technology, DNA and data research, assessment software and indoor farming where the latest LED technology is applied."

In search of the best features

With the collaboration, the companies hope to connect with partners and potential new employees. Trinette Dings of Novisem: "Teams of mbo'ers, hbo'ers and scientists work closely together in a research environment to select and breed plants with the best properties. We would like to get in touch with people who are interested in our processes or want to contribute to solving the world's food problems themselves."

New talent

Citaverde College is also involved in the initiative, as an important 'supplier' of new talent. Education and business will thus come even closer together. Ludo in 't Zandt of Limgroup: "Of course we'd like to come into contact with young people, but we want to show the entire sector what happens at a seed enhancement company. Who knows what kind of partnerships and new initiatives can arise from that!"

More information

Would you like to stay up to date with new developments in seed breeding? Then join the group Veredelingsnetwerk.

View the video of Veredelingsnetwerk Limburg for an impression of their business activities and consult their website.