Vitaetom, a Belgium company specializing in organic greenhouse-grown vegetables, recently introduced a new organic variety of tomatoes called Ruby Red. This deep red plum tomato is a first in the organic market, and its cultivation earned Koen Van Hauteghem, the third-generation owner of Vitaetom, a nomination for the BioVLAM 2024 award. The Ruby Red variety, previously available in non-organic form, was adapted to organic farming methods at the request of Bio-Planet, part of the Colruyt Group.
Adapting the Ruby Red to organic farming was challenging due to differences in planting methods and soil requirements compared to conventional practices. The Ruby Reds are grown directly in the soil within heated greenhouses, which required adjustments in planting density and fertilization methods to ensure the best growth. Despite the challenges, Van Hauteghem is optimistic about the tomato's potential, noting its excellent flavor and shelf life, which helps reduce food waste.
The first harvest has been well-received, leading to plans for expanding the cultivation area significantly next year. Van Hauteghem is also investing in sustainability by installing an e-boiler to reduce gas usage in heating the greenhouses, further enhancing the farm's eco-friendly operations.
Van Hauteghem's passion for organic farming is evident, as he expresses a deep connection with working directly with the soil, which he finds far more satisfying than conventional farming methods. His dedication to organic cultivation aligns with the growing consumer demand for organic products, which he believes is being taken more seriously in the market.
Source: Alles over Bio