Retailer demand for high standards, low or no residues and perfect fruit appearance does not change despite the limitations created by the lack of new active substances. This represents the biggest challenge for most strawberry growers.
Retailer demand for high standards, low or no residues and perfect fruit appearance does not change despite the limitations created by the lack of new active substances. This represents the biggest challenge for most strawberry growers.
Supporting growers through distributor networks
In Belgium, our advisors often work indirectly, supporting growers through distributor technicians. We invest time in building strong relationships with both technicians and research centres. Through regular contact, field visits, and shared trial experiences, we gain valuable insights into the growers’ challenges and needs. By listening carefully and staying close to the ground, we help shape solutions that are not only technically sound but also workable in the field.
Key challenges and evolving threats
Production systems clearly vary substantially from country to country but retailer demand for high standards, low or no residues and perfect fruit appearance does not change despite the limitations created by the lack of new active substances. This represents the biggest challenge for most strawberry growers. In many European countries food retailers set a limit on the number of active substances detected at a much stricter level than the legal maximum residue limit (MRL).
“The end consumer wants strawberries all year round, very delicious, but they do not realise the challenge this represents just to keep a strawberry clean and not mouldy in the fridge after three days.”
Strawberry grower, Sven Neufkens, Belgium
Challenges will continue to rise. Climate change, increasing regulatory pressure with ensuing loss of active ingredients for pest and disease control and ever higher and broader consumer expectations and food retailer demands mean that staying informed is more important than ever for us and the growers.
By listening and learning about the challenges and understanding developments in the wider world of strawberry production, we stay ahead of the questions and ready to support growers.
Lukas van Evercooren, Technical Account Manager, Horticulture.
Certis Belchim
Tackling pests, diseases, and future threats
Strawberry production is intense and crops face a range of persistent threats from pests like thrips, aphids, and spider mites, to diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, and phytophthora. Even where UV robots are introduced to provide targeted treatment for a foliar disease like powdery mildew, they are not a cure-all. Our integrated solutions are science-based and tried and tested in the field and can be adapted to fit with existing growing systems. With these solutions we can advise growers on the best way forward.
Building knowledge through collaboration
We invest in exchanging knowledge with our distribution channel and other stakeholders. During Trials Field Days, when advisors are invited to our trial station, or during seminars to introduce new products, we discuss how to integrate them into existing systems or programmes. The events also strengthen our relationships with distributor technicians, creating a feedback loop that helps us stay ahead of the curve.
Trial visits allow technicians to see results for themselves. “Seeing is believing” is a mindset and an approach that builds confidence and encourages adoption of new solutions.
Staying grounded, staying relevant, being down to earth
We aim to be present, practical, and proactive. We recognise that good advice starts with good listening, and that the best solutions are those that work in the real world. Whether through trials, seminars, or day-to-day conversations, we’re committed to helping strawberry growers thrive.
