Jonas Hollaar, 3rd generation at the head of Tomatec, a ZRP (Zero Pesticide Residue) certified greenhouse tomato producer in the French department of Lot-et-Garonne, talks about the recent launch of a Label Rouge tomato range and the growing pressure of Nesidiocoris, a pest plaguing tomato growers in the south of France.
Jonas Hollaar, head of Tomatec, which grows around 30 varieties of tomato on 2.6 hectares with an annual production of around 1,000 tons.
Label Rouge cherry tomatoes
Tomatec has been growing Label Rouge cherry tomatoes for two weeks now. This work is conducted in collaboration with Les Paysans de Rougeline and the Association des Fruits et Légumes du Lot-et-Garonne (AIFLG). This certification guarantees superior product quality, something that Jonas takes very seriously. "We try to raise product quality to grow tomatoes that taste good. It makes sense to me!
In 2020, Tomatec extended its facilities by 8,000m² with a semi-enclosed greenhouse built by Richel Group, which, according to Jonas, provides an "optimal climate and protection against insects all year round."
Increasing pressure from the "Nesidiocoris Tenuis" bug
For several years now, tomato growers across the south of France have been battling with Nesidiocoris tenuis, a bug used in some countries as a biocontrol tool against whiteflies. "With global warming, Nesidiocoris has moved up here from Spain and Morocco," explains Jonas. Although it was initially "sold as an auxiliary supposed to help growers with biological control, it quickly turned into a phytophagous bug and is causing us to lose yield (up to 10%)". The absence of effective biocontrol products to fight this pest makes the task of "Zero Pesticide Residue" growers all the more difficult. Although trials "are currently underway with kairomones," but nothing has yet proved effective.
Tomatec has chosen to work in partnership with the Cadralbret and Rougeline cooperatives to structure its commercial offer and improve its sales force. In 2020, the company also experimented with direct sales and, given the enthusiasm of its customers, decided to extend that experience. Today, Tomatec can count on its "regular" customers.
Tomatec: A Family Adventure
For the Hollaars, production is, first and foremost, a family affair. Job Hollaar, the grandfather, was one of the first market gardeners to build glass greenhouses in the Lot-et-Garonne region in the early 1960s. He also introduced the "Red Gauntlet" strawberry variety to France, contributing to the "development of the strawberry industry in the region." The family then decided to shift their focus to tomatoes. In 2017, Jonas, the grandson, took over the farm.
For more information:
Jonas Hollaar
Tomatec
1 Rue Lapermenade
47300 Bias
Tel.: 05 53 41 71 01
[email protected]
https://tomatec.fr/