This modern facility marks an important step in the company’s ambition to develop fruit and vegetable varieties tailored to tropical climates. The breeding station Mogi Mirim has been operational since August 2024 and was officially opened on 16 June 2026 in the presence of clients, partners, stakeholders and colleagues.
A new step in global breeding activities
Over recent years, 40 hectares of land in Brazil have been transformed into a future-proof breeding location. This expansion strengthens Rijk Zwaan’s global research network and supports the development of high-quality fruit and vegetable varieties for growers in tropical regions.
Breeding for the tropics, in the tropics
To develop strong and reliable vegetable varieties for tropical regions, local selection is essential. At the new station, breeders can select plants based on their tolerances to local fungi, bacteria, viruses and heavy tropical rainfall.
“Developing innovative varieties that perform well in tropical climates requires selection under those exact conditions,” says Managing Director Martijn Eggink. “With this location, we now have the space and environment to do just that.”
Pioneering and learning together
“Establishing a large-scale breeding station in the tropics required a pioneering mindset,” comments Lionel Bardin, Managing Director of Rijk Zwaan Brasil. “Experience from other locations could not simply be replicated, so the team combined knowledge from across the organisation with local insights, learning and adapting along the way”. The result is a fully operational breeding station that enables Rijk Zwaan to expand its tropical breeding programmes.
Rijk Zwaan Brasil has been active in the Brazilian market since 2006, ensuring close contact with growers, retailers and chain partners, and bridging the gap between breeding and market needs.
NOTICIA RELACIONADA: Rijk Zwaan expands breeding and research capacity
Contributing to global food production
Due to the growing world population, the demand for fruit and vegetables continues to rise. Rijk Zwaan contributes to solving this challenge by developing varieties that help growers increase productivity and produce healthy fruits and vegetables in a sustainable way. By investing in local breeding programmes – including this new station in Brazil – the company strengthens its ability to support growers worldwide.
