Brassicas are members of the Brassicaceae or mustard family. Vegetables in this family include cabbage, kohlrabi, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Dutch breeding history goes all the way back to the 17th century. Back then, various Brassica species were among the first crops to be bred because they grew very well in the soils
Chrysanthemum is the most important ornamental plant in the Netherlands. It’s also the second most traded ornamental plant in the world. The Netherlands is a world leader in propagation and breeding of new Chrysanthemum varieties. The Dutch floriculture propagation materials sector has a similarly large impact on the Dutch economy as its sizeable dairy industry.
The vegetable crop lettuce is ideal for the Western diet: low in carbohydrates, full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is the second most eaten vegetable in the United States and fifth in the Netherlands. The crop has a global production value of approximately €11 billion annually. Important environmental threats in lettuce cultivation are pathogens
With an annual production of 85 million tons in total, onions are one among the most cultivated vegetable crops worldwide. The onion is a seasoning that is prepared and eaten everywhere in various shapes, flavours, and colours. Dutch companies have a strong track record in breeding, cultivating, and trading onions worldwide. With a share of
Potato is a rich source of vitamins, calories, minerals, and phyto-nutrients such as carotenoids. Its nutritional value is similar to that of vegetable crops. Worldwide, potato is the third crop in terms of human consumption. Its use is increasing sharply in non-Western countries, where it is mainly consumed fresh (cooked). In Western countries, potato is
Tomato tops the ranking of most cultivated vegetables worldwide. Close to 5 million hectares of tomatoes are grown all over the world. Tomato cultivation serves both the fresh tomato market and the processing industry. Depending on the local climate, it takes place in greenhouses or on open ground. Tomatoes have a high nutritional value: vitamin