Resistant varieties for strong crops

One example is the breeding of squash and pumpkin varieties with resistance to a virus transmitted by aphids. Particularly in warmer South European countries, this virus can cause severe damage. Dutch growers were also confronted with it last year.

The first trial varieties are being tested this year. Developing a new variety requires patience: it often takes many years before a variety is sufficiently researched and can be brought to market. At the same time, De Bolster must look ahead to the challenges growers might face in the future.

Important steps are also being taken within tomato breeding. Last year, De Bolster launched its first three organic tomato varieties with high resistance to phytophthora (late blight). This disease is a major problem, especially for outdoor growers and growers in unheated greenhouses.

“The feedback from professional growers and home gardeners was highly positive,” Frank shares. “For us, that confirms the huge need for strong, resistant varieties. That is why we continue working on new tomato varieties and other crops with relevant resistances.”

Skyborn is growing fast

In recent years, De Bolster also developed ‘Skyborn F1’, a powerful sweet pepper rootstock that helps growers manage soil-borne disease issues. The rootstock was developed in close collaboration with organic sweet pepper growers, including BioVerbeek in Velden.

By now, Skyborn is also increasingly being used outside the organic sector. Last year, several conventional growers tested the rootstock on a larger scale. The excellent results ensured that the acreage grew in a short time from virtually zero to about 30 hectares. This year, this is expected to increase further to around 100 hectares.

Such rapid growth also brings challenges. De Bolster has to determine well in advance how much seed needs to be produced. At that point, the exact ultimate demand is not yet known, while the entire production must be pre-financed.

“Thanks to the capital we raised through our cooperative, we have the breathing room to take this step,” Frank explains. “This allows us to scale up production in a timely manner and further facilitate the growth of Skyborn.”

An organic solution for conventional cultivation

Frank finds it remarkable that a rootstock developed from organic cultivation is now also helping many conventional growers.

“A strong rootstock can contribute to a more robust crop and reduce the use of chemical agents. In this way, an organic innovation can also represent a step in the right direction within conventional agriculture.”

Interest is not limited to the Netherlands. De Bolster is now conducting trials with larger growing companies in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, among others. This includes both organic and conventional enterprises.

These international trials yield valuable information on the performance of the rootstocks under different climatic conditions and in diverse cultivation systems. This knowledge is then used to improve existing varieties and develop new rootstocks.

Growth within the organization

The growth in the market is also noticeable within De Bolster. Recently, four new colleagues were hired to reinforce the Breeding, Production, Seed Operations, and Quality teams.

With the growth of the company, the need for further professionalization of the organization also increases. That is why a works council has been established, for which colleague Iris has actively campaigned. Thus, not only is the assortment growing, but the organization behind the organic seeds is also developing further.

Change takes time

From the perspective of healthy agriculture, De Bolster would prefer the entire sector to switch to organic production methods immediately. But Frank realizes that such a transition does not happen overnight.

De Bolster itself has also gone through this transition. When Frank’s father Bart Vosselman decided to grow without chemical pesticides, his father initially did not believe this was possible. However, Bart persisted and proved in practice that things could be done differently.

“A transition never happens overnight,” Frank emphasizes. “The entire chain must be able to move along: growers, plant raisers, seed companies, retailers, and consumers. That requires time, good examples, and solutions that work in practice.”

This movement is becoming increasingly visible. Large garden centers are also expanding their assortment of organic seeds and plants step by step. This makes organic gardening accessible to more and more consumers.

Working together for more organic

De Bolster therefore continues to invest in organic breeding, seed production, and collaboration with growers at home and abroad. Not by just talking about change, but especially by showing that organic cultivation can be successful.

Frank: “We cannot realize this movement alone. We do this together with our employees, growers, customers, and cooperative members. Thanks to their involvement and trust, we can continue to develop and grow.”

“In this way, we strengthen the movement towards 100% organic agriculture step by step. Because although a transition takes time, I am convinced it is possible.”