“Partnerships in the produce food chain” forum at FL2010
Breeding: Increased support of high tech laboratory analysis, faster varietal development and better vegetable varieties are required
World population growth and changing consumption habits have an ultimate effect on the vegetable value chain, future innovative trends in the fresh produce industry and breeding characteristics. This was one of the key points that came out of the forum held during Fruit Logistica 2010 entitled “Partnerships in the produce food chain”, at which one of the speakers was Michael Kester, Syngenta Regional Head of Vegetable Seeds EAME.
On the subject of consumption, Michael Kester highlighted the fact that the world population is growing exponentially, with the planet due to gain another 1 billion people by the year 2024, so clearly “more food is needed every year, every day and everywhere.” However, the population is not growing at the same rate in each continent: while Europe and NAFTA are going through a stagnant phase of very low population growth, Asia and Africa are showing exponential demographic growth.
The EAME Regional Head explained that the food industry is changing its “centre of gravity”, as it demands better and more basic food, with economic growth and wealth moving East, especially to Asia.
Kester also quoted figures that reveal the current urbanization rate, which is having a direct effect on eating habits: people are eating out more and eating more fast food. Furthermore, there is less time to cook during the week, hence the growing demand for processed and convenience food, food from supermarkets and 365 days a year availability.
Effects on the vegetable value chain
All these factors are having an effect on the food and vegetable supply chain, with more production under controlled conditions in greenhouses, larger farm sizes and a greater degree of professionalization. Michael Kester observed that value growth in Western Europe is now 3-5%, due to inflation, an increased share of processed and convenience food, and stricter requirements on vegetables from producers, traders, retailers and consumers.
The most important demand made of producers is improved performance. This entails increasing yield and quality, producing crops that have greater resistance and cutting production costs. Although the consumer’s principal demand is not clear, taste and convenience are seen as key drivers. Retailers focus on profit, shelf life, sustainable production and 365 day availability.
Consequences for breeding
Michael Kester declared that all these specific demands must be combined while the pre-definition of product profiles is completed. Moreover, phenotypic and marker assisted breeding should be developed with earlier and precise identification of the right characteristics or complex set of markers to identify different traits in plants. According to Kester, there should be increased support of high tech laboratory analysis, faster varietal development and better vegetable varieties to suit market needs.
S&G Brassicas Today - February 2010
