Rijk Zwaan continues to grow in Turkey and the Middle East

One of those countries is Turkey, an important hub for Rijk Zwaan in vegetable breeding for the Asian and North African markets. Activities are constantly growing in this region and just two years ago Rijk Zwaan expanded its site in Antalya, Turkey, with a high-tech R&D facility. This is a modern glass-covered greenhouse of 1.5 hectares, fully tailored to the specific use requirements and strict hygiene protocols of the seed breeder.

This expansion was carried out by 'house builder' Van der Hoeven Horticultural Projects, which has been the regular builder for Rijk Zwaan for half a century. Thus, the greenhouse builder from The Netherlands experienced half of the expansion that the company has made.

Ahmet Isik, stationmanager Rijk Zwaan Türkiye

No Growtech

At the large Turkish trade fair Growtech held from November 20-23 in Antalya, Rijk Zwaan was not present. The reason was that Rijk Zwaan had more events at that time. Which does not alter the fact that the region is and remains important for the breeder. Since the latest expansion, the Turkish facility consists of an 11 ha R&D facility, of which 3 ha is glass and several laboratories.

RZ Turkey employs 140 people and the facility has a key function in the development of new varieties in tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, eggplant and melon for Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, Central and Eastern Asia. The location is very central and logistically convenient to these regions and Europe.

“Horticulture in Turkey is constantly expanding and modernizing, which is why Rijk Zwaan is growing with it. It is still a lot of family businesses here, but there is scaling up,” says station manager Ahmet Isik. Covered horticulture is growing not only in the Turkish market, but also in the surrounding regions of Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

“Those countries have a similar climate to Antalya. The varieties we breed here are also good to grow there, which is why this location is so suitable for us.”

The facility is at the forefront of introducing new varieties in the mentioned markets. Rijk Zwaan is also looking for suitable production sites for the vegetables.

When crossing new hybrid varieties, several characteristics are important. “There is not one that stands out, although taste is becoming increasingly important,” Isik states. “In addition, it's about virus resistance, high yield and optimal post-harvest shelf life.”

Lots of contact

The Turkish Rijk Zwaan facility consists of a collection of growing stands, from low-tech to high-tech, representative of the growing conditions in the region. Hygiene standards are extremely high. For every greenhouse and greenhouse compartment again, employees must wash their hands thoroughly and wear special workshoes. Teams are attached to a department whenever possible to limit cross-traffic.

Isik: “For the design of the new greenhouse, contact with Van der Hoeven was very intensive. Unlike a production greenhouse with one entrance, we are a special company with many departments and entrances. This required a lot of thinking along with the greenhouse builder and in this, Van der Hoeven is a very experienced partner for us.”

Author: Koen van Wijk

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