"Sustainable production, naturally."

Added on 03 January 2022

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This is Ula? Sözeri from Biobest Group, he is Area Manager of Middle East and Central Asia. We had a very informative interview with him at Growtech Antalya, Turkey. He told us the details about how they work at Biobest for a more sustainable world in a more healthy way and he has inspiring messages for both consumers and producers in the end.

Hortibiz Daily: What's BIOBEST's working field?

Ula? Sözeri: Biobest is specialized in pollination and IPM in general which means integrated pest management so we would like to contribute to healthy growth, sustainable growth and sustainable production.

HD: What are you displaying at Growtech 2021?

US: We mostly have subsidiaries all around the world, we have production spots and here in Turkey, we have also a subsidiary called Biobest Antalya. We're producing bumblebees and beneficial insects here. Also, we would like to contribute to the natural growth of these beneficial insects in Turkey as well as we export them from Turkey.

HD: What kind of innovations do you offer to your customers?

US: IPM, in general sense, is an innovation itself. It's the new era as I call it, because these pests are huge problem in greenhouses. When the greenhouse population increases in such a small area like Antalya, then the pests don't have anywhere else to go but inside the greenhouses. That's not ideal for the production for sure. So we would like to contribute to this -with our natural enemies to these pests. When they enter the greenhouse, they find a line of defense and we would also reduce the use of chemical pesticides by doing so. It's important for the health of the soil, the world and all of us.

HD: In which way is Biobest an international company?

US: Biobest is a global company. We're active all around the world and our headcounter is in Belgium. We also have a lot of different production points as we should. Because, as you know that these are living animals which need to be dispatched and delivered to the greenhouse as soon as possible. So by expending our production points, we're aiming for the best quality product in the greenhouse -anytime, anywhere!

HD: What are your expectations from Growtech?

US: Well, of course it's expending our business and expending our work model. As I mentioned, this is a disciplinary system. Using IPM in greenhouses leads to a better future for all the humanity, because wrong use of pesticide effects everybody, the nature, the human health, the climate and we would like to reduce the quantities of the pesticides to be used in these greenhouses so we can actually contribute to a healthy, more sustainable way of production.

HD: When you consider the next 5 years, what do you expect in the horticultural industry?

US: I expect a huge growth actually! I expect more localized production all over the world. As you know, covid also showed that this logistical issues with the fruit transportation might be a big struggle. The world is leaning towards to more locally produce food. The technology is increasing to do so. There are a lot of developments like vertical farming in the buildings and these will contribute to production locally so people can buy the most fresh fruits and vegetables in the nearest place where they grow them actually.

HD: Are you satisfied with your attendance to Growtech trade fair as Biobest?

US: Of course! I'm quite satisfied. These kind of exhibitions are really great source. Because you get to meet a lot of people and also expend your ideas. It means that at least it's an opportunity to plant an idea on their minds. So, once it's time, you'll know that they'll have time to consider it and maybe switch their mindset to a more sustainable, healthy production.

HD: Do you have a message for the readers of Hortibiz Daily News?

US: Well, I will have two messages. Once for the consumers, the other for the producers and both actually lead the same thing! I'm inviting them to aim always for low residue products from both sides because if the consumer desires this and there is a demand from the consumers, the producer will have to follow it afterwards. That also can be done by the regulations of the countries of course, but pushing something is not always the best way to go. So, the demand always needs to come from the consumers and the producer should follow them. These expos are great sources for distributing the information and the knowledge so we always expect to meet a lot of people here so that we can spread our ideas more and contribute more to this line of business.

For more information:

www.biobestgroup.com