During TrayTalk Strawberry at the VDBorne Campus in the Netherlands, approximately 70 strawberry growers from the Brabant and North Limburg regions gathered to exchange knowledge and practical experience on the propagation of strawberry tray plants. The event, organized by Haifa North West Europe and Berry Consultancy Group, focused on current cultivation challenges and the future resilience of plant propagation in the region.
Climate change visible in the data
The day opened with an analysis of climate trends in Brabant and North Limburg. Historically, the region has benefited from ideal soil conditions and a favorable climate for plant propagation. The central question raised was: Do we still have the optimal climate for strawberry plant production?
Data presented from the past 25 years showed, among other developments:
- A clear increase in average daily and night temperatures in October (up to +1.25°C over 25 years).
- A strong rise in radiation sums in August and September.
- A decline in relative humidity in August and September.
- A significant reduction in cold hours (<7°C) in October (from over 120 hours in the early 2000s to approximately 55 hours in recent years).
These trends raise important questions about their impact on flower initiation, root development, plant health and overall plant potential. The climate analysis provided a strong foundation for the discussions that followed throughout the day.
Practical knowledge exchange
The program consisted of short talks and interactive discussions covering topics such as substrates, emission-reduced propagation, balanced fertilization, drain water measurements, plant sap analysis and disease management. The emphasis was firmly placed on practical applicability.
By combining cultivation data, technical insights and hands-on experience, the event fostered an open dialogue between growers and specialists. Participants appreciated the interactive format and the practical depth of the content.
The future of tray plant production
The event made clear that tray plant cultivation is entering a transitional phase. Climate developments, evolving regulations and sustainability requirements are demanding continuous adaptation in substrate selection, fertilization strategies and monitoring approaches.
TrayTalk Strawberry highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the sector to ensure the continued production of strong, uniform and resilient tray plants in the years ahead.
Photos from the event are available and may be used in conjunction with this press release.
For further information:
Nadia van Dam
Marketing Communications Manager, Haifa North West Europe
nadia.van.dam@haifa-group.com