Seed breeding company Rijk Zwaan needs a strong Dutch greenhouse horticulture sector to remain competitive. So says managing director Ben Tax in conversation with the FD about the company's annual figures officially published on Wednesday.
According to many, the fruit and vegetable breeding company is the prime example of a high-tech company in greenhouse horticulture. Yet the sector suffers from an image problem, says Tax. "Greenhouse horticulture is sometimes seen in too negative a light because it is linked to the excesses," he says.
"There are also excesses and these also need to be addressed," says Tax. "And the sector has to do that itself. Putting people to work illegally is a no-go. But the solution is not to curtail the sector." Therefore, according to the Rijk Zwaan director, the biggest challenge in the coming years remains convincing politicians of the importance of the companies.
Source: FD (€)