RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 33
During the early war years, these measures cause
Impact of new developments
not only a shift in the type of produce grown but
Although the circumstances of war and three
also a growth in horticultural production. In itself,
harsh winters in a row (1940-1942) lead to increasing
this is a positive development for Rijk Zwaan,
problems in the horticulture sector, the aforemen-
whose sales increase considerably in the first
tioned organisational developments in horti-
few years of the occupation. The Plant Breeders’
culture were very auspicious for Rijk Zwaan’s
Decree, which is important for the horticulture
company. Its position in relation to ‘after-growers’
sector, also comes into being. The Breeders’
(growers who use the crop they grow from bought
Decree of 1941 legally regulates the plant breed-
seed to produce their own seed again for the
er’s legal ownership of newly developed varieties.
subsequent crop) looks set to improve significantly.
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19
43
xxxx
Emergo
xxxxxx
Bean
It is therefore no coincidence that in those first years
This right is validated by the registration of a
of the German occupation in particular, there was a
new variety in the Variety Register, giving the
sharp rise in seed production in Bergschenhoek.
breeder the exclusive right to market this variety.
However, this period of prosperity soon ends. The
It is an important moment for Rijk Zwaan and his
German armies encounter increasing opposition
company. The plant breeding profession is given
from 1943 onwards and are soon forced onto the
a fixed and financially attractive basis, but of
defensive on all fronts. An ever-greater part of
course it also means that breeders like Rijk Zwaan
the production machine and of raw materials in
will face more competition. Although it will take
occupied Europe is deployed for the benefit of
until 1946 before the Breeders’ Decree effectively
the German troops. Shortages are becoming an
comes into force, it is an important development
everyday occurrence, and the horticulture sector
in the seed sector.
is no exception. Not just have many Dutch young
In any case, on many fronts the war is a turbulent
men been forced to work in Germany, but items
time for Rijk Zwaan, with many important develop-
such as fertiliser and other horticultural supplies
ments taking place.
are also in short supply.
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First
IVT variety
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catalogue
of
xxxx crops
vegetable
xxxxxx
19
43
Founding
of IVT
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
1942-1943
Foreword in the
catalogue 1940-1941.
Turnover
Omzet
124
0000
1940-1945 | World War II
31
FTE
FTE
–
0000
