European Salad Summit: Working together for a resilient lettuce value chain

Across Europe, open-field lettuce cultivation is changing rapidly. More ambitious sustainability goals, tighter regulations, increasing pressure from pests such as aphids and growing labour shortages call for future-focused innovations. “We have to do more with less,” said Wim Grootscholten, Crop Manager Lettuce at Rijk Zwaan. “The chessboard on which we play today is becoming smaller and more complicated each year. At Rijk Zwaan, we share the ambition to keep delivering healthy lettuce for consumers, today and in the future. Keeping up with current developments in lettuce production requires collaboration throughout the value chain. This summit provided broad insights into topics beyond our daily work, inspiring new solutions and collaborations.”

Exploring opportunities

Throughout the summit, participants explored a range of themes that each offer opportunities for a stronger, more resilient lettuce value chain. Discussions covered topics such as organic and regenerative farming, soil optimisation, crop protection with beneficial insects, innovative fresh cut processes and emerging technologies including robotics and automation.

One way Rijk Zwaan contributes to innovation is by developing resistant lettuce varieties – including varieties resistant against the lettuce aphid Nasonovia ribisnigri. However, the company recognises that progress depends on multidisciplinary collaboration. “More than ever, solutions will have to come from many areas of expertise. That’s why this summit is about sharing insights and strengthening connections,” Grootscholten added.

From discussion to action

The second day of the summit centred around an interactive Summit Solution Session, dedicated to the question: ‘How can we secure a healthy and sustainable lettuce value chain in the future?’ While focusing on the above-mentioned topics, participants worked together to translate insights into practical ideas and actionable steps.

In his concluding remarks, moderator Jean-Paul Judson highlighted the value of collaboration, emphasising the importance of a strong network, knowledge sharing and a commitment to collectively contributing to a resilient lettuce value chain.