Welcome back to another article in our ‘Plant Breeding Success Stories’ series. This series of articles highlights a selection of plant breeders and companies across the EU, giving us a deeper insight into how the plant varieties of the future are developed.
In this article we’re talking to Fidélio Alegria, CEO of Sjaak van Schie B.V.
CPVO: Can you briefly describe the primary focus and operations of Sjaak van Schie B.V.? How has your company evolved since its inception?
Fidélio Alegria: Sjaak van Schie B.V. operates across all phases of the production chain, from breeding, through our joint venture HiBreeding, to young plants and flowering plants. HiBreeding focuses on developing new genetics for Hydrangeas. We produce and sell unrooted and rooted cuttings and half-finished plants, primarily at our facility in Portugal, while the Netherlands focuses on cultivating flowering plants.
The company began in 1980 when Sjaak van Schie started with carnations before transitioning to Hydrangeas. We now have locations in both the Netherlands and Portugal. Our goal is to remain among the top players in the dynamic world of Hydrangea cultivation. As of January 1, 2024, our board consists of three members: myself as CEO, Mike van Schie as Commercial Director, and Roel van Schie as Director of Operations, with Sjaak continuing as an ambassador.
CPVO: What innovative techniques and sustainability practices does Sjaak van Schie B.V. employ in plant breeding and propagation?
Fidélio Alegria: HiBreeding focuses on attributes like firmness, longevity, re-blooming, and flower head size, aligning with market demands. Notably, we've developed Hydrangeas that no longer require support, enhancing sustainability and reducing labor. We automate and centralize production processes, starting with a sticking line for cuttings to optimize efficiency and quality.
In terms of sustainability, we use the biological Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technique, relying on natural enemies and green agents, with chemicals used only in exceptional cases. We aim to reduce our annual footprint by 5% by focusing on energy, water, and chemical reduction, as well as waste management. Our commitment is reflected in our multiple MPS certifications.
CPVO: Can you share some specific examples of new plant varieties that have been particularly successful and how you ensure the distribution meets market demands?
Fidélio Alegria: Our mainstream collection includes Hi River (pink and blue), Hi Fire (red and purple), and Hi Crystal (white). Specialty varieties like Hi Pearl, Hi Diamond, and Hi Road showcase unique characteristics. Hi Pearl features a white flower with a fine red line and dark stem, Hi Diamond offers soft pink or purple hues, and Hi Road is a deep red Hydrangea with dark tips on its petals.
To meet market demands, we focus on producing flowering plants in the Netherlands under our Hy-pe brand and centralizing delivery processes to ensure quality and cost efficiency. In Portugal, we produce young plants to order and fulfill retail orders directly to customers, leveraging our resources and space effectively.
CPVO: What are some of the significant challenges Sjaak van Schie B.V. has faced in the industry, and how have you addressed them?
Fidélio Alegria: Sustainability and operational efficiency are ongoing challenges. We've centralized operations in Portugal, invested in solar energy, and built water reservoirs to improve processes. Aligning with sustainability certifications remains a key focus, ensuring we meet evolving customer demands.
The CPVO's process of checking genetics for authenticity is crucial for protecting our unique genetics. Without this process, our investment in new varieties would be less secure, making CPVO vital for our development efforts.
CPVO: How has technology impacted your breeding programs and overall business operations, and are there any emerging technologies you are excited about?
Fidélio Alegria: Technology has significantly advanced our breeding programs and operations. We're digitizing production processes and reducing paper use. Our R&D departments in Portugal and the Netherlands trial new ideas and innovations, aiming to eliminate chemical use and enhance crop protection.
We're excited about emerging technologies that could further enhance our work, such as methods to produce plants without chemicals, control botrytis without chemicals, and develop substrates with renewable raw materials. These innovations are driven by client and colleague input, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency.
CPVO: How is Sjaak van Schie B.V. adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, and what specific breeding strategies are you implementing to develop more resilient plant varieties?
Fidélio Alegria: HiBreeding develops new varieties that are heat and sun-resistant and require less water. We continuously adapt to climate developments by sharing experiences with other growers and learning from each other.
Our breeding strategies focus on developing genetics resistant to disease and pests, tested extensively over 6 to 8 years. Strict selection criteria ensure only the best plants progress through the phases from crossing to commercialization.
CPVO: Can you discuss your experience with the CPVO's plant variety protection system and the benefits it has provided to your company?
Fidélio Alegria: We work with RAI (Royalty Administration International) as an intermediary towards the CPVO. The well-framed processes provide quality output, and we are satisfied with the cooperation. CPVO is essential for protecting our unique genetics, forming the basis of our investment in new varieties and supporting our market expansion efforts.
CPVO: What are your future goals for Sjaak van Schie B.V. in terms of breeding and market expansion, and how do you see the role of plant variety protection evolving?
Fidélio Alegria: Our goal is to introduce new varieties through our flowering department, creating a pull for young plants and expanding HiBreeding globally. We aim to leverage the knowledge gained to grow HiBreeding worldwide.
With emerging technologies like genetic modification and CRISPR, CPVO will need to integrate these into the legal and regulatory framework. Sustainability will play a more significant role, with stricter standards to ensure new plant varieties are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
CPVO: How does your company engage with the broader horticultural community and industry stakeholders, and are there any collaborative projects or partnerships you are currently involved in?
Fidélio Alegria: We follow practices such as transparency, accountability, stakeholder engagement, and ethical standards to ensure good governance. Collaborative projects, like those with The Accelerators group and Portuguese universities, enhance our sustainability efforts and industry knowledge.
Roel van Schie is a member of the FPC Hydrangea, focusing on sustainability, including sustainable packaging. We are part of The Accelerators, a group of growers leading sustainable and responsible business practices. Additionally, we collaborate with Portuguese university students on projects and theses.
CPVO: What about your “dual nationality”: Portuguese and Dutch? What are the advantages, and do you combine the best of both worlds?
Fidélio Alegria: Absolutely, we combine the best of both worlds. The warm climate in Pegões, Portugal, is ideal for cultivating our plants, while the Netherlands focuses on flowering plant material and supplying customers. This synergy enhances our operations, and our diverse team brings motivation and commitment to impact the organization worldwide.
In conclusion, Sjaak van Schie B.V. exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in the horticultural industry. Our strategic vision and commitment to excellence position us as a leader in Hydrangea cultivation, ready to meet future challenges and opportunities.