Stories - 11-11-2026
A changing landscape for crop protection in lettuce
In recent years, lettuce growers have faced growing challenges in pest management. The loss of several key chemical crop protection agents has left fewer control options for major pests such as thrips and aphids. At G’s - one of Europe’s leading fresh produce companies - this has accelerated progress towards a more integrated, sustainable approach to pest management. In this article, Clara Pozancos, Production and R&D manager at G’s, shares her insights.
“It is important to work on this topic urgently because growers currently lack enough authorised crop protection products to control pests effectively. It is also a moral and social responsibility to produce food as sustainably as possible, using as few crop protection products as we can, while safeguarding the quality and availability of our produce for consumers.”
A holistic strategy
The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy at G’s brings together scientific knowledge, field innovation and ecological balance. By combining biopesticides, frequent low-dose applications and the introduction of beneficial insects such as Orius, lacewings and hoverflies, the team builds a resilient and sustainable production system. Continuous research and close collaboration with partners ensure that new biological solutions are effectively tested and implemented. This integrated approach reduces chemical dependence and strengthens the natural balance within lettuce cultivation.
Biodiversity as the backbone of IPM
To create a balanced environment where natural enemies of pests can thrive, G’s invests in on-farm biodiversity. Hedges, flower strips and field margins increase functional biodiversity, providing refuge and resources for beneficial insects. These living barriers also help reduce soil erosion, support pollination and enhance soil health. On-farm biodiversity monitoring allows for early detection of pest imbalances and tracks changes over time. Nest boxes for birds and bats further encourage natural predation, supporting a dynamic farm ecosystem that contributes to pest control throughout the year.
Innovation for success
Scientific evaluation is essential to the success of the IPM strategy. Clara’s team continuously tests new biological products and compares their performance with conventional standards. They study the effectiveness of beneficial insects, and experiment with helper plants that support beneficial insects, and flowers to attract natural predators and repel pests. In addition, innovative drone technologies are explored to release beneficial insects efficiently and precisely across open-field crops.
People and research drive progress
Behind these innovations stands a dedicated R&D team. Around 25% of G’s technical production staff work exclusively on research and development. Their expertise, field trials and data-driven decisions ensure that innovative methods are both effective and adaptable to real-world conditions.
Working together
“Collaboration across the whole supply chain, from seed to supermarket shelf, helps us extend the control we have in the field. By working together to oversee every process involved, and the external factors that affect our activity, we can get closer to managing what happens on the farm”, says Clara.
By reducing chemical inputs, promoting biodiversity and embracing innovation, G’s and Rijk Zwaan contribute to a sustainable lettuce value chain that supports both crop productivity and environmental health.
Read more about our solutions: Solutions to society's challenges | Rijk Zwaan
This article is part of a series of stories following the European Salad Summit, hosted by Rijk Zwaan on 14 and 15 October 2026 in the Netherlands. The international event brought together open-field lettuce producers and experts from across Europe to share insights, explore innovations and strengthen collaboration across the value chain. All sessions shared one ambition: to work together for a strong and resilient lettuce value chain.