In Spain, coming from a family of growers, Juan Antonio has been immersed in the world of agriculture his entire life. His parents were dedicated farmers, instilling in him a deep respect for the land and its produce. At the age of 21, Juan began his own journey as a grower, and for the past 20 years, he has devoted himself to cultivating zucchini.
To obtain better results, he has tried different varieties.
“
What I value most about the Sakata team is that they know how to work with the grower, listening to our problems to offer varieties that solve them.
Juan Antonio
Zucchini farmer, Almeria, Spain
”
The challenges
Juan faced
Juan’s extensive experience in zucchini farming has not been without its challenges.
One of the most significant threat to his crops has been the New Delhi virus. This virus has wreaked havoc on zucchini plantations across the region, often causing devastating losses. Some farmers have reported losing up to 40% of their production, with entire crops sometimes being wiped out. The virus does not discriminate, making it incredibly difficult for farmers like Juan to maintain a stable and profitable yield.
In addition to battling the New Delhi virus, Juan faced the challenge of producing high-quality zucchini that could meet the stringent standards of cooperatives. Achieving high production with good quality and desirable characteristics is essential for securing the best possible prices in the market.
This dual challenge of disease management and quality control made zucchini farming a strenuous endeavor.
Juan’s fortunes took a positive turn when he was introduced to Sakata’s Kai F1 zucchini variety.
This variety offers a lifeline to his struggling crops. The Kai F1 zucchini is resistant to the New Delhi virus. He does not have to worry about the virus decimating his harvest. This resistance allows Juan to achieve high production levels, as every plant is healthy and capable of producing fruit.
The benefits of this zucchini variety don’t stop at disease resistance. It also supports an extended growing cycle without compromising the quality of the zucchini. This means that Juan can generate more production over time, significantly increasing his profitability. The longer cycle and sustained quality of the crop translates into more benefits and a more robust bottom line for Juan’s farming business.
Quality and Efficiency
The zucchinis are straight, dark, and have the ideal size, making them highly attractive to buyers. Additionally, the variety is easy to handle and requires minimal labor, further reducing costs and increasing Juan’s overall profitability.
Juan has been working closely with the Sakata team for the past five years, and he has only good things to say about their support and collaboration. The Sakata team’s approach to working with growers, listening to their problems, and providing tailored solutions has been instrumental in Juan’s success.
The Kai F1 variety is a perfect example of this partnership in action, addressing the specific challenges faced by zucchini growers in the region.
Juan Antonio’s story is a powerful example of the resilience required in today’s agriculture.
Through his collaboration with Sakata, he has overcome significant challenges and achieved success.
Reflecting on his journey and the impact of Sakata’s support, Juan Antonio Rodríguez shared:
“What I value most about the Sakata team is that they know how to work with the grower, listening to our problems to offer varieties that solve them.”
Domaine de Sablas
Rue Jean Moulin
30620 Uchaud
France
Tel : +33 (0)4 66 71 75 00
Fax : +33 (0)4 66 71 75 09
sakata-info@sakata.eu
Sakata Vegetables Europe, a subsidiary of Sakata Seed Corporation (Japan), breeds, produces and markets high quality vegetable seeds for Europe, Middle East and Africa. It offers around 900 varieties of broccoli, tomato, squash, watermelon and cabbage to name a few.
© 2024 Sakata, all rights reserved
