Events connected innovation, expertise and the future of vegetable production
Enza Zaden recently brought producers and industry professionals together across Europe to explore the latest developments in vegetable breeding, exchange knowledge and discover innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow at its Discovery Field Days 2026.
Throughout September, visitors joined field days at five locations across Europe, each offering an opportunity to experience breeding innovations firsthand and engage with experts from across the vegetable value chain.
From hydroponic leafy crops in the Netherlands to organic production systems, open field solutions and a broad range of vegetable innovations in Germany and France, the events demonstrated how collaboration and innovation continue to drive progress in vegetable production.
Advancing hydroponic and controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
At Discovery Field Days Hydro/CEA in Enkhuizen, the spotlight was on one of the most important foundations of successful crop production: root health.
Over three days, international visitors explored the latest developments in hydroponic leafy crops through field demonstrations, knowledge sessions and discussions with specialists. Visitors gained insights into breeding innovations that contribute to stronger root systems, improved disease resilience, consistent crop performance and reliable production in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems.
The event brought together expertise from breeding, phytopathology, product development and sales teams, providing customers with valuable perspectives on current challenges and future opportunities within hydroponic production.
Resistance driving performance in open field leafy crops
At Enza Zaden’s event in Twisk, visitors explored the theme ‘Resistance Makes the Difference’.
Growers and industry professionals had the opportunity to evaluate the latest developments in lettuce, spinach and other leafy crops, including varieties featuring advanced resistance packages against key production challenges such as Bremia and Nasonovia.
Field demonstrations highlighted how breeding innovations help support crop health, improve harvest reliability and contribute to consistent product quality throughout the growing season.
In addition to variety showcases, the event facilitated valuable conversations between growers, breeders and crop specialists about market developments, evolving consumer demands and the future of leafy crop production.
Supporting the future of organic vegetable production
At the event in Voorst, organised by Vitalis Organic Seeds, visitors explored innovations designed specifically for organic production systems.
The event featured the Pumpkin 360°: From Seed to Plate experience, where experts shared insights across the complete pumpkin value chain, covering breeding, disease resistance, production, post-harvest performance and consumer trends.
“A highlight for many visitors was the live demonstration of a mechanical pumpkin harvester in collaboration with Wisse Machine Techniek. The demonstration showcased how breeding innovation and technological advancements can work together to support the future of sustainable pumpkin production,” Enza Zaden said.
Throughout the event, participants exchanged knowledge on organic breeding, crop performance and practical solutions that help growers meet changing market demands.
Vegetable innovation on display in Germany and France
Earlier this month, Discovery Field Days also welcomed customers and industry partners to Dannstadt, Germany, and Allonnes, France. Across both locations, visitors explored more than 220 vegetable varieties representing a wide range of crop segments. Demonstration fields offered customers the opportunity to evaluate new varieties, discuss crop performance with specialists and gain insights into the latest breeding developments.
“By bringing breeding innovations directly into the field, the events created valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, customer engagement and collaboration throughout the vegetable sector,” the company said.
“While each Discovery Field Days location focused on different crops and production systems, all events shared a common goal: connecting people, knowledge and innovation.”
