Nยบ 16
September 2017
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EDITORIAL On 27 and 28 June, we had a cascade training session at the Cabrera centre with the company executives. The theme was the management of people. In the introduction it was stated that those who have people in their charge should not only know how to manage the company’s strategy, but must also know how to manage people and how to manage themselves. The management of people is gaining the importance it deserves. It is not only one of our commitments, as we define it in our missions, but an essential factor for the growth of the company, since the latter will be what its people want it to be.
For this purpose, we have organized visits to farmers, nurseries and even Mercabarna.
As we all count, an interdepartmental committee from Fitó started a programme we have called “The way of the seed”. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the role of our company in the agro-food sector through visits to different actors in the fresh food chain; i.e. the process involved from when a seed leaves our warehouses to when it becomes a vegetable in the supermarket.
We would like to thank the Biotechnology team for their recent participation in the International Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae Congress #SOLCUC2017 and the Seed Technology Congress for the presentation at the “International Congress on Nitrogen Fixation”
Over the last few months we have had events where we have been able to share the successes of our research with our customers. The #FITOWEEK in Murcia (Spain) and the various corn field days throughout Europe and Central Asia are good examples of this. The start of the campaign “Experts in your field” puts even more emphasis on this desire to build long-term relationships with our customers beyond just looking for a sale.
EDUARD FITÓ Corporate Affairs and Business Development Director
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CORPORATE Micropep Technologies: new partner for plant improvement In July, Semillas Fitó and Micropep Technologies signed a collaboration agreement to work on horticultural research using a new technology. Micropep Technologies is a French company that has developed a technology where they use small naturally produced proteins (peptides) applied directly to plant cells. These peptides temporarily regulate microRNA expression which, in turn, orchestrates the expression of the master genes of plant physiology. This development has been possible thanks to their close collaboration with scientists from the Plant Science Research Laboratory (LRSV) and the Society for the Promotion of Technology (SATT, Toulouse Tech Transfer). Future applications include improving soil-plant interactions, yield and weed management. Everything suggests that this technology will become a key tool for breeders and farmers in improving the yield of the plant while having a minimal environmental impact. At Semillas Fitó, we are convinced that this technology has the potential to drastically change the plant improvement and protection industry and we anticipate a wide range of applications through which its development will help us reinforce our position of leadership in the sector.
Recognition in the Nit del Cercle awards On 13 July, the seventh Nit del Cercle event was held in Barcelona, an award ceremony organized by the Cercle per al Coneixement work commission of the Sociedad Económica Barcelonesa de Amigos del País (SEBAP). The purpose of this society is to promote discussion and the creation of initiatives around the cross-cutting application of communication technologies by encouraging research and innovation to gain momentum in the knowledge economy of Catalonia. Semillas Fitó was selected as a finalist in the category of “Large Companies”, along with Gutmar and SCYTL. The panel considered the innovative character, talent management and international activity of the three companies, recognizing their activity in such diverse fields as agricultural biotechnology, as in our case, precision mechanics and new technologies applied to the making of democratic decisions. The award was presented by Mercè Conesa, president of the Diputación de Barcelona, and Miquel Roca i Junyent, president of SEBAP. Both highlighted the good example of these companies for the region and their excellent business and industrial history.
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The path of the seed
This summer a corporate visit was organized and directed by and for employees with the aim of getting to know the company and sharing knowledge among the departments. For two days, the group of 17 people with an interest and desire to learn had the opportunity to discover and experience first-hand the process of the seed in all stages of research, production and marketing. Through visits to our Fitó Barcelona, Fitó Llavaneres and Fitó Cabrera centres, they were able to see the structure of the R&D and Quality Control, Production, Processing, Packaging and Logistics Departments. In addition, at the Llavaneres centre, they took part in an interesting practical activity involving the planting of courgette seed, in which they were able to play the role of authentic field technicians. They completed the tour with two more visits: the first to Mercabarna, where they were guided round the facilities by Josep Tejedo (Manager), Josep Garcia (Sales Manager) and Joan Llonch of Gavà Grup (distributor of our Monterosa tomato for the national market). On the second, they visited Planters Casas, a planter with more than 140 years’ experience and a long relationship with our company, where they enjoyed an excellent theoretical-practical session given by Felip Casas and Felip Casas junior, on the types of seeds, competition, germination process and grafting, where a member of the group even managed to make a successful graft. A special mention to all the members of the organizing committee and to the companions who helped in the explanations and activities, thank you very much!
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VEGETABLES Success in Murcia’s Fitoweek new edition
From the 4 to 6 July we held the second Fitoweek Murcia event, where, in our Balsapintada demonstration field, we received more than 100 agents from the sector interested in our melon and watermelon catalogue in its various categories. National and international producers, marketers and distribution chains from Mexico, Israel, Turkey and Portugal took note of our main commercial varieties and forthcoming developments, characterized by high resistance to powdery mildew, increased plant health and hardiness, high production and an excellent flavour. As for types, among Santa Claus melons, the most outstanding are the Paredes melon in the region of Murcia, a benchmark for its high quality in early sowing varieties, and the Manchego melon in La Mancha, one of the varieties most planted this year. Among yellow melons, the three most important varieties are Robledo, Cristiano and Soleares for the two areas, and among white melons, Pías and Ferreira, with which we are market leaders in Portugal. The novelty this year was to devote an area to some of our benchmark varieties in international markets, such as a Kirkağaç melon, of which we are leaders in Turkey, or the Yellow Mozia and Cayman, for Italy and Magreb respectively, where we have a good market share.
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Monterosa lands in North America Monterosa’s sales strategy continues its international development and will soon reach the North American market with Mastronardi Produce. This Canadian company of Italian origin has signed a five year commercial agreement with Semillas Fitó for the production and distribution of Monterosa tomatoes in Mexico, Canada and the United States. Mastronardi is leader in the gourmet tomato industry and a pioneer in the use of commercial greenhouse technology in North America, with more than 100 years’ experience, 1,400 hectares of production capacity and distribution centres throughout the territory. The commitment of this company to offer products with authentic flavour and maintain supplies as local as possible through its large transport network, fits perfectly with the characteristics and brand vision of our Monterosa tomato, characterized for being a gourmet tomato that conserves the traditional market garden flavour throughout the year.
Field day in Serbia-Leskovac From June 20 to 22 we held another of our well-known FitóWeek events, this time in Serbia and for the second year running after the success of the first event. For three days we were able to share our opinions with our customers in Eastern Europe, a group of 40 people from Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Russia, Poland, Macedonia and Ukraine. The first day of the event took place in Belgrade where individual meetings were held with each of them to listen to their concerns and discuss our collaboration in their area. And on the second day they moved to the Leskovac area where, with the help of our Serbian distributor Konus Glorija, a visit was organized to a demonstration field with some of our tomato, pepper, cucumber, courgette, aubergine and watermelon varieties. Our Sales Manager in the area, Igor Jozic, emphasized the increase in demand for indeterminate tomato, for which we assigned three tunnels with the main varieties, the Runner achieving the best acceptance, and mentioned the renewed interest in some markets in semi-determinate varieties, of which we showed new varieties in phase B1. As for peppers, a wide range of varieties was exhibited with special interest being shown in Kapia, a type with high tolerance to diseases and with different varieties of crops suitable for open field and greenhouse. In addition, he added that a strong increase in production of this variety in plastic greenhouses is being observed. In conclusion, he stressed that Centauro continues to lead the cucumber market in Serbia, as it is a very complete variety difficult to improve upon, and as for courgettes, he mentioned the good results in the white Pascal area.
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Tomato technical conference in Uzbekistan On 24 May we held a technical workshop on spring tomatoes in Uzbekistan, which was attended by more than 150 people who had the opportunity to visit the demonstration field and participate in a seminar with specific content on this species. The event, organized in conjunction with our distributor in the area, Agrostar Lux Co., was attended by the country’s main farmers, planters, distributors and members of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Senate of Uzbekistan, as well as specialized press and television. The first part took place in the demonstration field, where the Donnatino, Kassandra and Runner varieties were presented and advice given on their growing management by Raúl Martínez, Horticultural Sales and Marketing Manager for Asia, Aziz Makhkamov, Sales Manager for Central Asia and the Caucasus, Fitnet Yildiz, Tomato Breeder in Turkey, and Youssef Achkra, Product Development Manager for North Africa and Senegal. Subsequently, the participants went to the hotel, where the seminar, divided into three parts, took place. It began with a corporate presentation of the company, followed by a specialized presentation entitled “Tomato disorders and deficiencies” and ended with an institutional speech by the Minister and the Senators who attended the event. After the handing out of promotional material and the holding of a raffle with commercial vegetable seed packs of Fitó varieties as prizes, the event concluded with a dinner for all participants.
AMC opens doors for us in Lebanon Semillas Fitó has reached an agreement with a new distributor in Lebanon: AMC. It is an international company with 650 employees, with which we already work in other countries. Likewise, our colleagues from the Middle East presented the company and our varieties to more than 70 local distributors in Beirut. The event was very interesting and with many discussions about the high level of varieties we promote.
Fit贸 News 16
Field day in Argelia On 19 July, a field day was held in Algeria, organized by Semillas Fit贸 and CASAP, our distributor in the area. About 50 people attended the event, including large farmers and retailers from the north of the country. Semillas Fit贸 took the opportunity to present the Cayman variety of yellow melon. It did so in a two-hectare test field, located in the area of Tlemecen, where visitors were able to get a good look at this variety, which stands out for its tolerance to powdery mildew and a 5-6 kg calibre orange fruit with a very good flavour.
Field day in Morocco
On 29 July, a field day was held in Morocco, in the Berkan area, in which the Awras variety was presented. The event, organized together with our distributor in the area, was attended by 30 producers, who were offered lunch and a visit to the plot, where they were able to discover the positive characteristics of this variety of yellow melon. The opportunity was also taken to make a corporate presentation about the company, where the attendees participated actively, asking about the Awras variety and requesting information about other Fit贸 products.
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Cristal is a variety of half-long aubergine created by Semillas Fitó in the nineties and today celebrates its 20th anniversary as market leader. Semillas Fitó was founded in 1880 as a vegetable and cereal seed producer and, after ninety years selecting the best plants and seeds in a traditional way, in the early 1970s decided to approach seed improvement scientifically. Farmers demand seeds capable of yielding more fruits per square metre, more guarantee of disease resistance and better quality; requirements that are only possible with the development of hybrid varieties.
In the mid-1980s, the rise of genetic improvement in the agricultural sector began, the IRTA (Institute for Agro-Food Research and Technology) was founded and Fitó consolidated its position as a benchmark in the national market thanks to the strong investment in research and its commitment to biotechnology. A decade later, Semillas Fitó now had two research centres: one in Barcelona and another in Almeria. Although the organizational structure of R&D for horticulture was very simple at the time, the company’s intention was clear: to become a pioneer in plant improvement in order to develop products to suit market demand. At the time, Gerardo Díaz was Director of the R&D unit and José Manuel Salguero Director of the Almeria improvement station, where two breeders worked: Santiago García for cucurbits and Salvador Peramo for solanaceae.
Fitó News 16
In that context, a variety of Dutch-born company, Rijk Zwan, was leader of the aubergine market. The challenge that arose in the sector and was led by Semillas Fitó was to overcome its main drawback: the loss of colour at the end of winter. With this objective in mind, in 1994 the diplohaploid lines of the future Cristal aubergine began to be observed and soon afterwards the first test plants were sown. The owner of one of the farms where the test plants were planted is Antonio Robles, who explains that he trusted Fitó from the outset, as evidenced by his unwavering decision to plant 5,000 square metres of Cristal without knowing what the result would be, but trusting in the company’s long years of experience. And he says that any doubts quickly faded when the first fruits emerged and he saw their high quality and quantity, stating categorically: “this variety will not be improved either by Semillas Fitó or their competition in twenty years”, and that seems to have been the case. Following its commercial development process, the C1 hybrid was first sown at the Almeria improvement station on 21 July 1997 with order number 108, so the variety would be introduced as 108/97.
Cristal becomes the most complete and global eggplant variety of Fitó.
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Finally, after seven years of research, Cristal not only succeeds in overcoming the loss of colour at the end of winter, but also improves the structure and hardiness of the plant; the size, hardness and colour of the fruit; in addition to decreasing the presence of spines in the calyx. The breeder responsible for the project, Salvador Peramo, explains that, although the plant stands out for its hardiness and rusticity, this variety was a major improvement especially in terms of the fruit, since its main value is a very dark and bright colour during the whole cycle, as well as a greater hardness than any other before then. He adds that “by providing ease of handling and good production for the farmer, a quality product throughout the year for the distributor, and an attractive and flavoursome fruit for the consumer, Cristal has become Fitó’s most popular and complete aubergine variety”. At the outset, the production of Cristal was carried out entirely in Almeria for its export to the national and European market. But because of its great versatility, its cultivation and marketing grew exponentially at the same time as the sales team and the size of the company grew.
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ElSALVADOR creador de Cristal: PERAMO
SALVADOR Agricultural Technical Engineer PERAMO and Breeder of Cristal’s variety Ingeniero Técnico Agrícola y Breeder de la variedad Cristal
His career • 1986-1988: Head of production of hybrid seed in greenhouses at the ClauSu trayectoria se-Ibérica centre. • 1986-1988: Responsable de producción de semilla híbrida en invernadero en • 11 January 1988: Joins Semillas Fitó as Commercial Vegetable Technician for Clause. Western Andalusia and Extensive Farming for La Mancha. • 11 Enero 1988: Se incorpora a Semillas Fitó como Técnico Comercial de hortíco• 1989: Moves to Almeria and continues to work as Commercial Technician. las para Andalucía Occidental y de maíz para La Mancha. • 1990: Becomes Solanaceae Improver. • 1989: Se traslada a Almería y continúa ejerciendo de Té • 2012-Present: Becomes Product Manager of Solanaceae. His career has always revolved around the world of seeds, where he has worked in all fields, from production to sales, product improvement and development, which has made him a great connoisseur of the sector and an expert in his field of work. For this outstanding career and his complete devotion to the company, last March, in the framework of the R&D Convention, Salvador Peramo received recognition for his excellent track record in the company.
Currently, it is cultivated worldwide, both in greenhouses and in the field, since half-long aubergine is consumed in virtually any country, although by volume of seed its main markets are Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Argentina. Looking to the future, and despite the development of the sector, the qualities most demanded in aubergines today are still very similar to those of twenty years ago. The farmer seeks an easy-to-handle plant with guaranteed production, and the distribution chain demands a fruit of the highest quality and postharvest.
However, the market is now more segmented and it is difficult to meet all the needs with a single product: some give priority to size over consistency and others, because they are further from the production area, prefer a good postharvest, for example . And as Salvador Peramo states, “here lies the success of Cristal: after twenty years, nobody has managed to develop another variety as complete and versatile as this one”. However, according to Antonio Robles, Cristal is beginning to be improved upon recently. Despite its persistent leadership and its incomparable versatility, the company Semillas Fitó has brought out some very good new varieties with great potential, which in some aspects manage to improve upon their predecessor, such as Amalia or Montse. For a company like Semillas Fitó, creating a variety as successful, complete and unique as Cristal is not only important in economic terms, but also provides prestige, which, in addition to helping to reinforce our leading position in the market, implies an emotional incentive for the company. These achievements help reinforce our intention to keep growing, innovating and striving to improve our work, which is reflected in the words of Salvador Peramo when he states that “on a personal level there are few things that bring as much satisfaction as travelling and seeing that something created by you is known and grown in every country”.
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FIELD CROPS We go into partnership with HEMAV to revolutionize the agricultural sector
Last April, Semillas Fitó entered into an international collaboration agreement with Hemav, the largest drone company in Spain, for the joint marketing of precision agriculture services. The aim of this partnership is to offer a high added value drone service of within the agricultural sector.
aircraft or satellites, together with agronomic field information, into precise recommendations of high agronomic value for farmers and their technicians.
Hemav specializes in the digital transformation of mass aerial data into useful information (reports and/or recommendations) of great importance different sectors, including agriculture. This successful start-up, founded in 2012 in Barcelona, is currently an international company with more than 100 employees based in the European Space Agency in Barcelona and Madrid and with an international presence in more than five countries. For Fitó, taking on the services of Hemav will be a major boost in the FAS (Fitó Agronomic Solutions) project: a service with which customers of the Extensive Farming division will receive personalized agronomic advice. Hemav’s solutions are based on giving farmers enough useful information to make decisions and providing them with a tool for applying them in the field. To do this, it uses a digital platform, with which, using advanced agronomic data processing techniques in the cloud, it is possible to transform mass aerial information, captured by drones, light
Through the maps generated, agronomic recommendations are provided for farmers to optimize the application of fertilizers, irrigation, locate of areas with fungus problems or direct pruning operations, among other things. In this way, it is possible to identify the differences in plots in order to apply the optimal treatment to achieve the desired quality and help them improve the management time of the farm while optimizing the application of water, manure, and diversity of products used in the field.
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We attend the Expovicaman fair Our Extensive Farming division was present from 18 to 21 May at Expovicaman, the agricultural and livestock fair in Castilla la Mancha, where around 30,000 farmers and livestock breeders visited the booths of 136 exhibitors. Semillas Fitó took advantage of the event to present the best second-planting maize varieties in the area, the first hybrid wheat from Spain (Hybiza) and our forage formulas.
New launch: Fitó Cover This summer a new range of products for Extensive Farming has been launched: the Fitó Cover range. These are plant covers developed by Semillas Fitó that serve as an agronomic tool for the management of the farm. Their aim is to help conserve and develop the structure and physical-chemical balance of the soil to benefit the main crop. Two different formulas are presented: Fitó Cover Grass and Fitó Cover Mix.
The first, consisting exclusively of perennial grasses, helps reduce maintenance costs of the farm because the use of machinery is reduced. Fitó Cover Grass is recommended in fruit tree or citrus plantations. Meanwhile, Fitó Cover Mix, is consists of different species of annual grasses and legumes with great self-seeding capacity. This formula is recommended in vineyards and olive orchards, where the water supply is low or zero and the climatic conditions are arid.
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First Fitó Agronomic Solutions Conference On July 3 and 4, the first FAS (Fitó Agronomic Solutions) Congress was held in Barcelona on the premises of Les Cases de Barbens; an internal event whose aim is to train the Extensive Farming team for the correct implementation of this ambitious project. The purpose of the FAS project is to offer the company’s customers comprehensive, high-quality agronomic advice, with the aim of improving their profitability through the efficient use of fertilizers and irrigation. On the first day of the event, in Barcelona, we were graced by the presence of Andreu Taverner, from the Department of Plant Protection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Generalitat de Catalunya, who offered an interesting presentation on the future of weed management in maize growing; and Marc Solsona, Extensive Farming R&D Manager, who explained the new developments in the genetic improvement of maize. The following day, in Les Cases de Barbens, we were graced by the presence of the representatives of our technological partners, suppliers of the necessary tools for the implementation of the project.
Emilia Vila from Agroptima explained the advantages of using the software for farmers; Miquel Aran from Eurofins spoke about the importance of soil and leaf analysis and demonstrated in the field the correct way to take a soil sample; Albert Roselló from SAF focused on how to interpret the data of the humidity probes and showed how they are installed; and Joan Font from Hemav, while flying one of his drones, explained the results of the remote sensing that is being carried out at the Les Cases de Barbens farm itself.
FORAGE MIX ENSILED CORN
27%
60%
ALFALFA HAY
7%
GRAIN CORN
18%
WE ADVISE YOU TO GET THE BEST RATION FOR YOUR LIVESTOCK
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TURF GRASSES We remain leaders in Andalusia Since June, sowing of the 18 holes of the Doña Lucía Golf Course in the Malaga town of Estepona, in the middle of the Costa del Sol, is being carried out. The variety selected for planting the course is our Cynodon Dactylon Riviera (Bermuda), except for the greens, which will be planted with Agrostis Estolonifera 007 this coming autumn. This is a fresh example of our leadership in this sector in the area of Andalusia, where we are the seed suppliers for the most prestigious golf courses and football fields in the area, such as Real Club Valderrama, Real Club Sotogrande, Real Betis Balompié, Sevilla FC and Malaga FC.
HOBBY New Superbol varieties This September, coinciding with the start of the season, the Hobby division will launch 15 new horticultural varieties in order to expand its Superbol collection. This range of products aimed at the amateur farmer is presented in hermetically sealed aluminium containers to ensure better germination of the seed for a longer time. These novelties include new varieties of broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, pepper, tomato and melon, among others.
CUSTOMER
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FELIP CASAS I MIRANDA On this occasion, we wanted to get to know one of the oldest companies in the sector and the one with the longest relationship with us, Planters Casas, a Catalan company founded in 1870 in Malgrat de Mar (Barcelona) and devoted to the nursery planting of horticultural, ornamental and aromatic plants. It is currently managed by the fifth generation, has more than 30 workers and 4 hectares of facilities in Palafolls (Barcelona) from which it produces more than 60 plant species. Felip Casas i Miranda, one of the first tomato grafters in Catalonia and the spokesperson of this latest generation, tells us the secrets of this brilliant track record. When did the collaboration between Planters Casas and Semillas Fitó begin? It is estimated that the collaboration between Planters Casas and Semillas Fitó began in the 1930s, when Mr. Felip Casas i Reixach (2nd generation) and one of the descendants of the founders of Semilllas Fitó exchanged native seeds for their multiplication and production. Yours is an even older company than Fitó. What are the values that make a company grow and how do you manage to keep it going from generation to generation? To begin with, it is a pride to represent the 5th generation of the company and to contribute new knowledge, technological and research advances throughout the long history of the nurseries. Our cornerstones are passion, enthusiasm and dedication, values that allow us to grow as a company. Without them, there is no guarantee of a quality future within the sector. Generation after generation, the existing values are transmitted in such a forceful way that they make you excel as a person and as a company, which is what has kept the business going for such a long time.
Both are directed by the 5th generation. How has the management and vision of the company changed in your case and what essence does it retain from its beginnings? I remember when I started, when I was 20 years old, and together with my brother we carried out all the different tasks within the nursery. We observed a lot and “fed” on the experience of our father (Felip Casas i Onna, 4th generation). After that, each of us acquired and took responsibility for more specific
functions within the nursery. We introduced new computerized systems both for the control of the nursery and for its internal management. We formed a human team highly committed to the activity of the nursery and to the sector, along with ongoing training on the part of the company. We believe that this philosophy of work, positive attitude and motivation is what helps us achieve our goals. They say that big businesses are founded on good relationships based on honesty and trust. How would you describe the relationship between Planters Casas and Semillas Fitó over the years? Relationships must also be totally healthy and transparent, and with a very high level of professionalism and responsibility. That is how Planters Casas and Semillas Fitó maintain this relationship. Currently, what is the most highly rated value in a seed company for your business? We appreciate and value direct contact with the seed company, exchange of information and a direct channel with the nursery to give agronomic and aftersales support. In short, we appreciate the dynamism of the seed company. What characteristics do you appreciate in Fitó products and which are the most demanded by your customers? An extensive catalogue of species and varieties, and a high percentage of seed germination are the characteristics we rate most highly; the solanaceae being the most demanded by our customers and by our agronomic region (the north Mediterranean coast). Looking at the long history of two prestigious companies like these, it could be said that the seed sector has its future assured. What is your view about the market and what do you consider to be the future trends? Basically, the seed is essential to human life. Therefore, the sector has its future assured. As a planter, and in recent years, we have observed that the sector has become highly professionalized. Farmers have become a key figure and very important in our lives. They produce most of the food we eat daily, and the final consumer is aware of this. Simultaneously, this agricultural awareness on the part of the consumer forces us to develop the new horticultural products that the market demands. And in your company, do we have Planters Casas for 5 more generations? How do the new generations think they will continue with the development of the business? Hahaha! 5 more? That would be great... The new generations are still very young. First they have to have a good academic training and then acquire the necessary values to take on the generational change and the commitment to the company and the nursery.
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HUMAN RESOURCES ALBERTO de MARCOS SERRANO
GABRIELA POSSATI FARGONI
JOB POSITION: Researcher in Genomics and Trait Genetics. BUSINESS CENTER: Cabrera de Mar, Spain. HOBBIES: Cooking, playing paddle tennis, travelling, photography and IT.
JOB POSITION: Trial Officer. BUSINESS CENTER: Brasil. HOBBIESS: Walking and running outdoors, racing, travelling and discovering new places, learning new languages.
INMACULADA RODRÍGUEZ MANZANO
JOSÉ ANTONIO ROZAS LÓPEZ
JOB POSITION: Trial Officer. BUSINESS CENTER: Almeria, Spain. HOBBIES: : Travelling, reading, the cinema, the beach, spending time with my friends, enjoying my family…
JOB POSITION: Tomato Assistant Breeder. BUSINESS CENTER: Cabrera de Mar, Spain. HOBBIES: Binge-watching, indie music and scientific disclosure.
LUCA DAL COMPARE
LUIS BLÁZQUEZ GUTIÉRREZ
JOB POSITION: Field Crops Sales & Marketing Responsible in Italy. BUSINESS CENTER: Italy. HOBBIES: Cycling and mountain climbing.
JOB POSITION: Development & Sales Representative of Field Crops in Huesca, Spain. BUSINESS CENTER: Huesca, Spain. HOBBIES: Hiking, hunting, cinema and watching TV series.
MARYLÈNE GORETTI
SARA OGANDO GUITART
JOB POSITION: Product Development Assistant. BUSINESS CENTER: Almeria, Spain. HOBBIES: Travelling, photography, listening international music, outdoors sports activity and trekking.
JOB POSITION: Regulatory System Technician. BUSINESS CENTER: Les Cases de Barbens, Spain. HOBBIES: Spending time with family, travelling and reading.
SHEILA ÁLVARO TEJADA
RUBÉN MÁRQUEZ DÍAZ
JOB POSITION: Communications Assistant. BUSINESS CENTER: Barcelona, Spain. HOBBIES: Travelling, watching TV series, being with family and friends.
JOB POSITION: Cucumber Breeder Assistant. BUSINESS CENTER: Almeria, Spain. HOBBIES: I like turism, nature-related sports and enjoying “tapas” with good friends anywhere in the city.
Recipe of the month
Karnıyarık INGREDIENTS 2 eggplants 250 g minced meat 2 onions cut into cubes 1/2 sprig of finely chopped parsley 1 tomato, cut into cubes 1 tomato, cut into half moons 2 spicy green peppers Ground pepper Salt 2 tablespoons of olive oil Frying oil 1 cup of hot water
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On the occasion of the anniversary of one of our star varieties, the Cristal aubergine, our colleague, Amira Aydogan, has shared a traditional Turkish recipe where aubergine is the main ingredient. It is a dish called “karnıyarık”, which literally translates as “split belly”. “Karnıyarık” is not a light dish, but is absolutely delicious; one of the best ways to cook aubergine. Peel the aubergines leaving lengthwise stripes and put them in salted water for 10 minutes.
Add the chopped parsley, salt and pepper and mix well.
Dry them well and fry in a deep pot with rapeseed, corn or vegetable oil, making sure the oil is very hot before frying.
With the help of two spoons, cut the aubergines in half, but leaving the top and bottom attached.
Once fried, remove the excess oil by placing them on a paper napkin, and place them in a baking dish. In another pan, heat olive oil and add the onions. Stir for 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced meat and cook until the meat absorbs all its juice.
Stuff the eggplants with the cooked minced meat mixture. Put a crescent-shaped slice of tomato and a spicy green pepper on top of each aubergine. Finally, pour on 1 cup of hot water and bake at 200 °C until the peppers are well cooked. We recommend serving with rice and yogurt for a delicious result.
Add the diced tomatoes and continue stirring. Once everything is well cooked, remove from the heat.
Afiyet olsun!
newborns
Bruno
Mateo
was born on August 31st, son of Tom Lombaerts, Chain Manager
Judith
was born on August 20th, daughter of Clàudia Casals, Medium-cycle corn Breeder.
was born on May 12th, son of Eva Insa, Development & Sales Representative of Field Crops.
Irina
was born on July 21st, the little girl of Rubén Miño, Development & Sales Representative of Field Crops.
www.semillasfito.com