13 November 2023 News
We, as Enza Zaden, have finalized an exclusive license agreement with the University of California, Riverside, enabling us to acquire their green asparagus breeding program. This strategic move allows us to expand our product portfolio with a new segment: green asparagus.
At Enza Zaden, we are renowned for developing vegetable varieties across both international and local crops. By introducing green asparagus, we are further diversifying our portfolio, which already includes lettuce, tomato, onion, melon, (sweet) pepper, and cucumber.
Jaap Mazereeuw, our Chief Executive Officer, states: “This long-term investment aligns with our purpose at 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, add: “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 plants and seeds from the University of California, Riverside, to our station in San Juan Bautista, US, has recently taken place. Additionally, we are sending in vitro plants to Enkhuizen.
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