"Tomato cultivation faced numerous challenges in recent years: from rising energy prices to the devastating effects of diseases such as the rugosis virus. But now we see a renewed sense of optimism in the sector, thanks to the stabilization of energy costs and advances in technology and genetics," says Erwin de Kok of BASF | Nunhems.
As a tomato sales specialist at BASF | Nunhems, Erwin was privileged to witness transformational trends in tomato cultivation across Europe. "The most striking is the application of LED lighting. This is a real game-changer arising from the urgent need for greater sustainability and efficiency in agriculture."
The development of LEDs as a major trend gained momentum about three years ago. "Then, the rise in energy prices forced growers to rethink their strategies. These energy-efficient lighting systems not only contribute to lower energy consumption but also emit less heat, making them a perfect fit within the precise environmental control needed in tomato growing. What sets LEDs apart is their versatility in supporting a wide range of light recipes tailored to the specific growth stages and needs of tomato plants. This level of precision in controlling the light spectrum allows tomatoes to be grown year-round. And that results in better yields and superior quality," says Erwin.
However, the benefits of LEDs go beyond energy savings and precision, according to Erwin. "They are incredibly durable and have a longer lifespan, compared to traditional lighting systems. As a result, they need to be replaced less often, which reduces maintenance costs. In addition, LEDs help to reduce the CO2 footprint of greenhouse crops. Their lower energy requirements relieve pressure on our power grids and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the deployment of LEDs fits well with the broader goals of sustainability in agriculture."
"Countries like the Netherlands have taken the lead in this LED revolution, which is now expanding rapidly. From the UK to Switzerland and even Spain, several countries are experimenting with LED applications in both small-scale trials and large-scale operations."
At BASF | Nunhems, they are committed to integrating these advances into their breeding and cultivation strategies. "We want to implement LED lighting at an early stage in our genetic research. This way, we are going to offer growers the tomato varieties they need to maximize the benefits of innovative lighting concepts. This will enable them to achieve optimal production levels and reduce costs. This commitment also reflects our commitment to sustainability. We ensure that we can meet the demands of the future without exploiting our planet's resources."
For more information:
Slaven Ivanovic
Ties Persoon
Erwin de Kok
BASF | Nunhems
Slaven: +31 6 4320 7425
[email protected]
Ties: +31 61 443 6254
[email protected]
Erwin: +31 6 1442 7646
[email protected]
www.nunhems.nl