September 2019 - 5

Vegetablegrowersnews.com
Office 616-887-9008
Managing Editor
GARY PULLANO, 616-520-2144
vgnedit@vegetablegrowersnews.com
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STEPHEN KLOOSTERMAN, 616-520-2152
vgnnews@vegetablegrowersnews.com
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LEE DEAN, 616-520-2150
ldean@greatamericanpublish.com
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GREG SEBEL, 616-520-2146
vgnads@vegetablegrowersnews.com
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ERIC HADDEN, 616-520-2147
vgnproduction@vegetablegrowersnews.com
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SAMANTHA ORSI, 616-520-2148
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KRISTINA HOWELL, 616-520-2168
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JESS SCHMIDT, 616-520-2141
jschmidt@greatamericanpublish.com
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ANA OLVERA, 616-520-2171
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Circulation
BECKY STOVALL, 616-520-2138
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SALLY OSTMAN, 616-520-2136
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Group Marketing Director
MELISSA GRAY, 616-520-2153
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Chief Operating Officer
KIMBERLY BAKER, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
Publisher
MATT McCALLUM, 616-520-2133
publisher@vegetablegrowersnews.com
Editorial Advisory Board
Frank Gasperini
Kevin Hosey
Simon Huntley
Bob Jones
William Lamont
Carolyn O'Donnell
Chris Pawelski
Rick Snyder
Tim Waters
Ben Werling
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Vegetable Growers News is a publication of
Vitalis Organic Seeds
Celebrating 25 years providing the best
in genetics for organic growers
Twenty-five years ago, Vitalis
Organic Seeds formed with a
vision to provide the best in
vegetable and herb genetics for
organic growers. This vision has
been manifested through global
organic seed production and
breeding programs dedicated
to organic agricultural systems.
Vitalis is the leader in certified
organic vegetable and herb
genetics globally.
" Organic growers have
different production systems
than conventional growers, and
require different traits such as
disease resistance, nitrogenuse
efficiency, and the ability to
out-compete weeds and tolerate
insects, " said Adrienne Shelton,
organic product specialist for
the East Coast, U.S.
This means that breeding
programs need to focus on
traits specific to the organic
agriculture system as well as
traits consumers want such
as excellent flavor and the
unique colors and shapes seen
in many organic crop varieties.
It's a challenge to hit all of
those targets.
In order for Vitalis to get
the feedback they need to
ensure they are on track with
grower and consumer needs,
Vitalis holds several field
days throughout the year in
vegetable producing areas
across the U.S. During field
days, the breeders and sales
team gain valuable feedback
from growers about the
regional varieties showcased.
During this 25th anniversary
year, the field days are amped
up to capture the taste buds
and imaginations of growers
and consumers alike. " We are
passionate about the value that
organic agriculture brings to our
farming systems, and thus we
a division of Great American Publishing
ADVERTISEMENT | © 2019 Vitalis Organic Seeds, the organic division of Enza Zaden.
VGN | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 5
have invested heavily in organic
seed production, seed technology,
breeding, promotion and policy
during the last 25 years, " said
Erica Renaud, regional business
manager for Vitalis Organic
Seeds North America.
Diversity in organic lettuce
varieties is primary for Vitalis.
As the U.S. is the largest
organic production and
consumer market, Vitalis offers
the largest selection of certified
organic genetics globally with a
focus on flavor, diversity of leaf
types and colors and resistance
to mildew, aphids - primary
issues for organic growers.
Another area of focus is
complementing heirloom
tomato flavor with better field
performance. " We are focusing
on improving heirloom varieties
for disease resistance, plant
vigor, yield, and higher fruit
quality without sacrificing on
flavor, texture or fruit diversity
(color, shape), " Renaud said.
Vitalis knows the marketplace
due to boots on the ground
in the primary organic
production and consumer
regions and complements their
knowledge gathering with active
participation in key organic
and seed-related boards and
associations. " Millennials are
reaching an age where they are
making food choices not only
for themselves, but for their
children. It is clear that this group
of consumers is really interested
in knowing where their food is
coming from and purchasing
food grown in a more sustainable
manner - especially foods with
fewer residues, " Shelton said.
As demand increases, Vitalis
has witnessed many growers
shifting to organic certification.
Navigating the regulations
around organic production can
be challenging, though. There
are many regional organizations
available to provide resources
and assistance to growers
making this transition. Perhaps
most importantly is making a
shift in mindset to what Shelton
calls a " holistic production
model. " This can include a shift
to organic protections such
as beneficial insects, use of
disease resistant genetics, use
of crop rotation and biological
fertilizers, and away from
conventional practices.
Thankfully, programs are
available to help growers
bridge that gap. And breeders
like Vitalis are poised to be part
of that change.
For more information about
Vitalis Organic Seeds, visit
usa.vitalisorganic.com or call
831-751-0937.
http://www.Vegetablegrowersnews.com http://usa.vitalisorganic.com
September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2019
