“With our sorting machine, we also help other companies

Two years ago, De Bolster purchased a brand-new seed sorting machine to elevate the quality of tomato and bell pepper seeds to an even higher level. Co-founder Patrick Hoogendoorn explains how this investment is already bearing fruit.

Smart sorting with AI

Continuously innovating is very important for De Bolster. When you are small, you have to be smart. With the purchase of the so-called Seed-x sorting machine, De Bolster brought in the latest of the latest: a sorting machine that scans every single seed individually for deviations. If the seed does not meet the high quality standards, it is ruthlessly blown off the belt.

“The machine works on the basis of artificial intelligence,” Patrick explains. “We start with six trays, where we sow a seed in each cell. After three weeks, we assess the seedlings: which are good and which are not? We then enter that data into the machine, which learns from it and adjusts the algorithm. After this, we can run the entire batch of seeds through the machine for scanning. On a single working day, about 1,700,000 seeds fly through the machine.”

Service to other companies

The sorting machine is an additional method to increase the germination reliability and uniformity of the seeds. It is not a cheap investment. That is why De Bolster is currently only using it for high-end tomato and bell pepper varieties for growers. Patrick continues: “Thanks to our cooperative members and their investment, we were able to purchase this machine ahead of schedule. Something that is wonderful for a relatively small company like ours. Because we are not yet using the full capacity of the machine, we now offer seed cleaning and sorting services to other smaller companies. Yes, even to competitors. But as smaller players in the market, we have to help each other; that is our strength. I think it’s great that we are taking on that pioneering role.”

GSPP certificate

In April/May of this year, De Bolster will take another step that elevates their position in the seed market: the company hopes to receive the Good Seed and Plant Practices (GSPP) certificate. This certificate was established by tomato suppliers following the emergence of a tomato disease with major financial consequences. By working ‘cleanly,’ companies like De Bolster can prevent this disease. Patrick: “We already had many protocols for this ourselves, but this certificate adds an extra piece of security. In this way, we are constantly improving ourselves as a company.”

No chemicals, but a smart machine

Patrick has plenty of wishes for the future: an extra Specific Gravity (SG) table to clean seeds, a large mantle to sort seeds by length, and increasing the capacity for dry heat treatment. Furthermore, De Bolster continues to look for new techniques. “The quality requirements for organic seeds are becoming increasingly high, and we want to show that many things are possible without chemicals. It would be wonderful if eventually there were a smart machine for every problem that solves it without chemicals. Organic might still be the child of the mature market; the best thing would be if that child grows up and organic becomes the standard. I believe we can come a long way.”