13 November 2023 News
Enza Zaden has finalized an exclusive license agreement with the University of California, Riverside enabling the vegetable breeding company to acquire their green asparagus breeding program. This strategic move allows Enza Zaden to expand its product portfolio by adding the new segment: green asparagus.
Enza Zaden is renowned for its development of vegetable varieties across international and local crops. By introducing the new segment green asparagus, we are further diversifying our portfolio, which already includes amongst others lettuce, tomato, onion, melon, (sweet) pepper and cucumber.
Jaap Mazereeuw, Chief Executive Officer at Enza Zaden: “This long-term investment fits into the purpose of Enza Zaden: breeding to feed the world, creating value for sustainable life and living. We believe that this acquisition will allow us to serve our customers' needs even more effectively and expand our presence in the market.”
Mikeal Roose and Neil Stone, Asparagus Breeders at the University of California, Riverside: “We are pleased to see our green asparagus breeding program continue its growth within Enza Zaden. Given their knowledge, resources and experience in vegetable breeding, we have full confidence that they will advance our already well-established program with great success.”
The transfer of the plants and seeds from the University of California, Riverside to the Enza Zaden station in San Juan Bautista in US has recently taken place. Furthermore, Enza Zaden is sending in vitro plants to Enkhuizen.