FPP. Aardbei Extra BV Belversestraat PV Haaren The Netherlands

Transcription

1 Aardbei Extra BV Belversestraat PV Haaren The Netherlands T +31 (0) F +31 (0) info@aardbei-extra.nl FPP

2 FPP IS BORN! You have witnessed the birth of our FPP brand. This stands for Fragaria Propagation Protocol. Which in turn stands for a reliable, safe and high-quality product. FPP created an instantly recognizable image for our working method, propagation techniques and all other specialist means we apply to cultivate a top-class product. CONTENTS FPP is born! Aardbei Extra BV FPP : safe, sustainable & reliable Summary FPP A good start A good soil as a reliable basis A method of cultivation t/m 17 Digging up and sorting Personnel, hygiene & cooling Delivery schedule During the development of FPP, all our operating and plant processes were evaluated, tested and assessed a number of times. This brochure includes all the information necessary to give you an accurate idea of the value of FPP. FPP has already proved its added value many times over in practice. But since production processes from A to Z increasingly need to be more transparent, FPP offers security and stability. It lays the foundation for reliable, safe, sustainable and responsible strawberry production! Kind regards, Robert van de Zanden Manager Aardbei Extra BV 3

3 AARDBEI EXTRA BV Aardbei Extra BV is situated in Haaren in the Dutch province North Brabant. This family company started in the mid 20th century as a cattle farm. Horticulture, including strawberries, did not make a serious appearance until Around 1990, the company began specialising in the cultivation of strawberry plants. Test field Apart from propagation, roughly two hectares of strawberries are cultivated. This production area operates as a test field in order to evaluate extensively the innovative propagation and cultivation methods. This allows the entire process from A to Z to be optimised at every point. The strawberries themselves are mostly sold on-site. Fertile soil The majority of the parcels are located on Es-land (artificially raised cultivated land). These are very fertile parcels spread for centuries with fertiliser from the deep litter house, often mixed with heathland turf. Expert partner Aardbei Extra BV has accrued a huge store of knowledge thanks to this specialisation. Furthermore, the company has access to an international network of growers, research institutions, sales organisations and other partners. This creates an exceptional awareness of the latest developments. This enables Aardbei Extra BV to provide accurate advice to domestic and foreign clients in the area of plant selection, for example. 5

4 FPP : SAFE, SUSTAINABLE & RELIABLE FPP FPP is the acronym for Fragaria Propagation Protocol. This is a cultivation method developed by Aardbei Extra BV in recent years. Quality is given substance by naming this method and describing it clearly and plainly. Unparalleled growth Indeed, everything is geared to allowing plants to attain optimal growth so that they appear their best for the client. And of course so that the customer can eventually enjoy a healthy, tasty strawberry. Security Strawberry plants propagated using FPP offer security. They are cultivated safely and sustainably with respect for mankind and the environment. They are responsible products cultivated from the start according to a modern protocol. FPP plants are grown from A to Z in a controlled environment. Research results Over the last forty years, Aardbei Extra BV has acquired a great deal of knowledge and experience concerning the propagation of strawberry plants. A unique store of knowledge has been compiled through many dozens of tests in practice. Otherwise, information is frequently gleaned from international scientific research. This acquired knowledge is used specifically to improve cultivation methods. This is a continual process. And this makes FPP a dynamic brand that always conforms to the highest requirements demanded by the market. Tracking and tracing FPP plants enable the grower to know exactly what is in his possession. FPP is the right choice for growers with a view to food safety, tracking and tracing and other legislation regarding food safety. The controlled cultivation process enables the grower to give clear account to the end user of the complete production method from cutting to end product. Added value FPP gives greater insight into the added value Aardbei Extra BV provides its plants. And that is good for the whole chain. So take advantage of it! FPP is a registered trademark of Aardbei Extra BV. All rights reserved. 7

5 SUMMARY FPP FPP is created from a combination of 31 controlled operations and plant processes. This number may be extended in the future since Aardbei Extra BV is a self-teaching organisation with progressive thoughts. The 31 points that make up FPP are: 1 Production at a closed company 2 Basic material from SEE Nuclear Stock of Naktuinbouw 3 Own virus free propagation in aphid-free tunnels 4 Fresh soil annually 5 Isolated propagation plots 6 Cultivation on soil free of harmful organisms 7 History of plots has been researched 8 There is sufficient and high-quality water available 9 Soil has an active and healthy soil life 10 Special additives stimulate soil life 11 Tillage is geared to a good structure, drainage and active soil life 12 Optimal plant density is determined by years of research 13 Fertilisation is carried out according to the plant s requirement 14 Application of fertiliser at different times and using various methods 15 A special mix of fertilisers has been developed for optimal growth 16 Sustainable cultivation through a balance between soil life and nutrients 17 Continual monitoring of the crop during cultivation 18 Fertilisation, crop protection and irrigation occur in a orderly fashion 19 Crop protection with chemicals is restricted to an absolute minimum 20 The quality of the root system is indicative when the plant is being dug up 21 Transport times from field to shed are shortened substantially 22 Digging up of plants only occurs at specific times and under favourable conditions 23 Controlled grading 24 Employees are given clear instruction for sorting 25 Sorting with Quality Control (QC) 26 Personnel are well-trained and motivated 27 Personnel bear their own responsibility 28 Strict hygiene measures apply 29 Controlled cooled environment 30 Transport to client in conditioned transport 31 High degree of mechanisation in aid of consistent plant quality and favourable working conditions 9

6 A GOOD START... For Aardbei Extra BV, the work already begins long before the strawberry plants are planted. Careful preparation ensures a good start. It is a closed company. This means that all the phases of propagation, except SEE Nuclear Stock from Naktuinbouw, are carried out on site. Plant material (free of fungi, bacteria and viruses) is purchased exclusively from Naktuinbouw in order to preclude the risk of disease transfer. The basic material is planted annually in fresh soil in aphid-free tunnels. It is possible to move these every year to carefully selected plots with fresh sandy soil. Here the plants grow under natural conditions into strong and tough plants. The propagation plots are isolated from other strawberry plots (not belonging to Aardbei Extra BV) in oder to prevent the transfer of disease and infestation. Prior to planting, the soil is assessed for the presence of the verticillium fungus and harmful nematodes that might transfer viruses. Therefore a zero tolerance is applied. The history of the plot is also researched. If crops have been grown there previously that might have a harmful effect on strawberry plants, then a different plot is selected. Prior to planting, the soil s structure and fertility is brought into absolute top condition. Furthermore, the presence of sufficient high-quality water is essential. By constructing reliable irrigation systems of pipes with sprinklers or reels with spray jets, the water is applied in the right place at the right time. GROWING CAN BEGIN 11

7 A GOOD SOIL AS A RELIABLE BASIS Soil is literally and fi guratively the basis for an optimum end product. Aardbei Extra BV is only satisfi ed with healthy, fertile and well-balanced soil. New, fresh plots with a healthy sandy soil are selected annually for the cultivation of basic material. These so-called top fi elds are isolated from other strawberry fi elds in the area. One condition is that these propagation fi elds should always lie at suffi cient distance from plots with fresh plants, waiting bed plants or production fi elds. To allow the plants optimum performance, the soil is brought into balance. To this end, a healthy and active soil life is essential. A clever combination of adding the right amount of compost, the right bacteria and correct soil preparation ensure a healthy and active soil life. Possible disruptive layers are removed and the plot is rounded off to prevent the collection of water. Using special compost, crop fertiliser and organic fertiliser, the structure and fertility is brought to top condition. Aardbei Extra BV ensures that all components are correct. The ideal soil type, an optimal structure, an active soil life, a healthy environment, perfect basic material and a balanced nutritional buffer all make the difference. 13

8 A METHOD OF CULTIVATION THAT LEADS TO STAGGERING GROWTH Plants Aardbei Extra BV uses modern plant machines with a high capacity. Planting and direct exact fertilisation occur within one action. The extra wide tyres limit soil compaction to a minimum. The plants are watered before and during planting to ensure they remain in an optimal condition. Years of intensive research has established the ideal plant density per crop type. The crop is planted in such a way that it is suffi ciently open so it dries rapidly. This allows fungi little chance of getting a hold. Moreover, with our plant density, the plants get more light which encourages greater bud development. Fertilisation Fertilisation is continually adapted to the plant s phase. The fertilisation strategy is determined by the growth phase, weather conditions, soil type and a few other parameters. In this way, the plant only gets what it needs at that moment. Based on research, Aardbei Extra BV has compiled its own fertiliser mix. This mix also contains other natural substances that prevent the fl ushing out of nutrition. Furthermore, the system of Nutri-growing is currently being developed further. This enables sustainable cultivation by creating a balance between nutrients and soil life. The fertilisers are applied at the right time and in the right place. Row fertilisation when planting ensures the fi rst necessary nutrition. Furthermore, more and more liquid fertilisers are sprayed using a specially adapted fi eld sprayer. This ensures an accurate dosage of rapidly working foliage fertilisers. By applying small amounts regularly, the plant will grow in a controlled and gentle fashion, making it stronger and more robust. The plant is not stressed by (temporary) under- or over-fertilisation. Cultivation procedures The crop is assessed daily. In this way, potential problems with disease, infestations or weeds are prevented before having to be cured. Nutrition, irrigation or crop protection are applied precisely when needed. Mechanisation and the use of various tools ensures that cultivation procedures are always performed accurately, even at the end of the working day. Though employee expertise also plays an essential role, of course. 15

9 Crop protection Prevention is better than cure. Starting with 100% healthy plant material from the proprietary propagation allows the plant to grow with a minimum of artifi cial chemical interference. By taking the right measures, the risk of infection at the beginning of the growing process is almost nil. If chemicals do have to be applied, then this is carried out at exactly the right moment, under the right conditions with a very modern, wide track self-propelled crop sprayer. With air assistance, the agent is applied precisely where it is required. In this way, a minimum amount of agent is applied to achieve the maximum effect. The use of herbicide is restricted to an absolute minimum. Weeds are removed by hand as far as is possible in order to prevent stress situations for the plant. Mechanisation The mechanisation of cultivation procedures has two goals. On the one hand, to improve product quality. On the other hand, mechanisation creates better working conditions. Aardbei Extra BV s machinery has been assembled in such a way that wide reaches and broad tires bring as less as possible damage to the structure of the fertile ground. Moreover, procedures are combined as far as possible so as to cause as little disruption as possible to the crop. A good example of a labour-friendly machine is the 17 meter width machine that enables the manual removal of weeds, for example, from a lying position. Due to the well-motivated staff, work output has improved both quantitatively and qualitatively. 17

10 DIGGING UP AND SORTING MEANS THE CUSTOMER CAN ENJOY THE QUALITIES OF THE COUNTRYSIDE Digging up The digging-up process is geared especially to retaining the well-developed root system (the plant s factory). After all, this ensures better regrowth in spring, healthy plant development, better protection against fungi, bacteria and insect infestation, and therefore less stress. All this leads to fewer growing problems, higher production and nicer first-class fruit. Digging-up machines are therefore adjusted to quality and not quantity. Plants are dug up extra deep in order to retain the maximum volume of roots, including hair roots. Immediately after digging up, the plants are taken to the shed in transport trays, where they are stored out of the sun, wind and other dehydrating conditions. If weather conditions are poor, the trays are kept covered in the field to prevent dehydration. The time between digging up and arrival in the shed is kept to a minimum. Plants dug up in the summer are kept moist where necessary. The plants are only dug up in the summer when they are at full moisture capacity, i.e. from midnight until the end of the morning at the latest. This is also to prevent dehydration. Sorting Sorting is manual labour. Aardbei Extra BV therefore instructs its employees thoroughly. A registered control system ensures that the sorting performance of each individual sorter is kept at a high level. Moreover, each sorter has access to a diameter measurement tool and an information sheet. This sheet includes illustrations of plants with the appropriate minimum and maximum tolerances for root length, leaf, broken leaves, damage, number of plants per bunch, number of bunches per crate, dimensions and minimum and maximum crown diameter of different grades. Special customer wishes are clearly indicated to the personnel prior to the commencement of sorting. A Quality Control sticker shows that at least one crate per pallet has been checked for, the counts, grading, how neatly the product has been packed, root length, leaf length and the moisture content of the roots. For the 2006 season, Aardbei Extra BV has developed two patented sorting carousels for its own use. This grading system enables plants to be packed faster so as to reduce any dehydration further. More products can be graded at any one time. Benefits: - More gradings at any one time - Even more precise sorting - Shorter plant processing times (better logistics) - Dehydration is kept to a minimum - Better working conditions - A greater number of more intensive checks due to a more effective quality control system. 19

11 PERSONNEL HYGIENE &COOLING Personnel The personnel are the company s greatest asset. They ensure the supply of a high-quality product. Comprehensive training and supervision give employees a good insight into why certain procedures take place. Furthermore, they also bear a certain degree of responsibility within Aardbei Extra BV. This results in all the plant s phases of growth being followed perfectly. The relaxed and healthy working environment ensures that employees enjoy their daily work. Hygienic company Proper hygiene keeps illness at bay. Aardbei Extra BV is a closed company and has implemented a whole series of measures to prevent infection from external sources. In practice, this means that all visitors are required to register and disinfect their footwear. To visit the fi elds, they must wear the disinfected footwear provided. Only the company s own means of transport are used to drive to the fi elds. Visitors are not permitted to touch the plants. Plants are only taken from the ground by employees of Aardbei Extra BV. Machines and tractors are only active on their own plots. Machines and means of transport are cleaned regularly. The sprayer is even equipped with a disinfection system that automatically disinfects the tyres. Agricultural contractors clean and disinfect their equipment prior to entering the company s premises. Controllers and offi cials receive clean clothing at arrival, allowing them to carry out their work hygienically. Plants are packed in disposable packing or in disinfected plastic crates. Plant waste created through the sorting process is transported daily to an isolated spot. This prevents sources of disease from developing and spreading. Cooling Cooling is mainly provided by a specially designed cold store. The temperature is constantly monitored by a computer. Moreover, Aardbei Extra BV carries out frequent checks. This means that each batch of plants gets the attention it deserves. Plants are transported to the customer in cooled vehicles. 21

12 DELIVERY SCHEDULE Aardbei Extra BV s delivery schedule only consists of products displaying the trademark. These are: FPP SE Propagated virus-free in aphid-free tunnels. Planted annually in fresh, disinfected soil! Parent plants are candidate plants originating from Naktuinbouw. Suitable for propagation. More vigorous than EE. Apart from offering the products mentioned, Aardbei Extra BV is also perfectly placed to fulfil your specific requirements. Do not hesitate to make them known. EE Plants for propagation. Graded according to customer requirements Cutting Available from 10 July. Cultivated on straw or soil. Misted tips Available from end of July Fresh Available from late July. Waiting bed plants -- Diverse grading A+ Extra mm plus A mm A mm 23