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bakker brothers focused on african market
Bakker Brothers from the Netherlands, one of the subsidiary companies in the Zaad group (of which Nuvance is also part), has been focused since 2010 to align their breeding programs with the focus markets of Africa, Middle East and Central Europe and Asia. They have three recognized brands in the market of which Bakker Brothers is available thought Nuvance. Marketing takes place mainly through distributors, several of which have been doing business with Bakker Brothers for many decades since its in- ception 90 years ago. A truly unique accomplishment in an era of multinational seed companies. The benefit to Nuvance is that they have direct access to the latest genetics from their Dutch “sister company”. The breeding programs focus on key crops such as tomatoes, onions (short, medium and intermediate days), carrots and green beans for the fresh and processing markets as well as sweet peppers done in conjunction with other research groups. Products that also form part of the portfolio but not necessarily for South Africa are chillies and eggplant which are bred mainly for the Middle East and North African markets.
Initially, the work from Holland was complimented with strong support in Amman, where Bakker Brothers also has a research unit. About two years ago, a similar research unit was established in Arusha, Tanzania to be closer to the focus area. The near-continuous growing seasons and high disease pressure in Tanzania together with the country’s agricultural policies make it the ideal location to trial African-developed genetics.
Bakker Brothers also facilitates a project aimed at demonstrating the benefits of improved genetics to local farming communities. The Best Agricultural Practices (BAP) is focused on further empowering leading farmers so that they can truly exploit the benefits of focused genetics, the majority of which will be developed locally. The project consists of theoretical training sessions followed by a practical session at the research unit in Usa River, Arusha. Here, farmers are challenged to apply the newly acquired knowledge on their own farms. These open days are offered in conjunction with agriculturalists from associate companies.
article by gerrie reitsma
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This is a unique recipe with the added support of well-known and experienced seed specialists from mainly South Africa such as Dr Piet Grobler (formerly at Hygrotech), Leon Grundling, (previously from Woolworths), who in addition to his seed background also gives guidance on value adding as well as Gerrie Reitsma (who until recently managed the South and East Africa business of Bakker Brothers). In future he will be responsible for product and technical support in Sub-Sahara Africa for Bakker Brothers. The BAP program as well as the development and management of the Usa River site is done in close collaboration with local agricultural specialists.
From the accompanying photos taken during previous open day training sessions the professionalism of the experts is evident. Such events will be more frequent in the future and will focus mainly on East and Southern African markets. Truly an investment with vision for Africa from Africa!
