Jun 12, 2019

Enza Zaden breeding greens for indoor farming

Enza Zaden will bring its expertise in breeding vegetables for high-tech controlled environment agriculture and vertical farms to the upcoming AgTech Innovation Summit June 19-20 in New York City.

The second annual Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit provides a unique opportunity for over 300 thought leaders to come together and advance the sustainability, profitability and health-focus of the indoor trend that’s changing the dynamics of fresh food production.

“Varieties that are bred specifically for controlled conditions is critical to meeting consumer demands and achieving desired business outcomes,” Freek Knol, greenhouse business manager for Enza Zaden USA, said in a news release from the company.

Enza Zaden has operations in 25 countries, and North American research stations in California, Florida, and Culiacan, Mexico. The company specializes leafy greens and offers top programs in more than 30 other vegetables and culinary herbs.

Here are some of the company’s areas of expertise:

Hydroponic lettuce varieties

Enza Zaden currently offers 12 hydroponic varieties – including Cristabel ‘crispy’ lettuce – with 15 more to be released in the next few years. The unique lighting, mechanics, technical know-how, desired traits, yields and packaging requirements of each indoor growing operation help to inform ideal variety suggestions. This also avoids the significant trial-and-error expense of varieties bred for open-field growing.

Market trends and consumer preferences

Enza Zaden’s dedicated breeding programs are informed by ongoing market trend and consumer preferences research across North America, the EU and Asia, as well as strong partnerships with retail organizations and produce platforms. Insights gained enable innovative adaption of fresh products in partnership with customers.

Operational innovation

“Technology stakeholders, led by widespread consumer demand for local produce, are setting an aggressive and inspiring pace for dedicated vegetable breeding and operational innovation that’s never been seen before in the fresh food industry. We’re excited to be part of this exciting, entrepreneurial chapter in fresh and healthy local food production,” said Knol.

Above: The Enza Zaden Indoor Farming Team.