Rijk Zwaan opens new trial station in Vietnam’s Lam Dong region

Rijk Zwaan continues to expand its presence in Vietnam, where it has been active for nearly 15 years, including with its own subsidiary since 2017. The company’s recently opened a newly built trial station, located in the key horticultural hub of Lam Dong. This station will accelerate the development of vegetable varieties for the specific needs of Southeast Asian growers and the region’s fresh produce market. The official opening took place during Rijk Zwaan’s Centenary Celebrations.

The trial station will serve as a hub for testing and developing varieties that are adapted to local growing conditions, including the climate, diverse soil types and modern growing systems found across Vietnam’s key horticultural regions and South East Asia.

Advancing sustainable horticulture

The new site was officially opened on 18-19 September during a ceremony attended by various colleagues, growers and government representatives.

During his speech at the event, Mr Daniël Stork, Consul General at the Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, stated: ″The opening of the R&D station in Vietnam reflects the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable horticulture in the country. This station will drive innovation, enhance seed technologies and support Vietnamese growers with improved pest and disease tolerance and higher yields. It aims to transform horticulture from traditional practices to protected cultivation, and from low to high technology in cultivation, benefiting Vietnamese growers and chain partners.″

Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Mr Pham S also addressed the attendees, saying: ″Amongst breeding companies, Rijk Zwaan has had many projects contributing to the horticultural transformation in Lam Dong. On behalf of Lam Dong province's leadership, we’re very happy to witness both the Project Announcement Ceremony on 30 September 2020 and now the Grand Opening of the Rijk Zwaan R&D Station on 18 September 2024.″

Looking ahead

Reflecting on the successful opening ceremony, Rijk Zwaan Vietnam’s Managing Director Nien Van Dang comments: ″Growers are focused on improving yields, quality and sustainability. Modern growing techniques help make yields more predictable despite sometimes unpredictable weather. Opening this trial station in Lam Dong advances our commitment of developing vegetable varieties suited to local conditions, benefiting not only growers but also the fresh produce market as a whole.″