Autella is more than just a radish—it’s a reflection of Hazera’s belief in nature-powered innovation, healthy food systems, and the deep connections we build with growers worldwide.

---

Its journey is a testament to what’s possible when expertise, commitment, and real partnership come together. Introduced in 2014, Autella marked a breakthrough for Hazera as our first variety bred specifically for winter cultivation. What began with a small group of growers in Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland has grown into a trusted solution in 17 high-tech agricultural regions around the world. Each market brings its own challenges, and Autella continues to deliver thanks to Hazera’s local presence and our dedication to working side-by-side with growers to create real, lasting impact.

Built for performance in cold, low-light conditions, Autella has reshaped how growers approach winter production. From late autumn through early spring, it thrives under cover, delivering bright, uniform bulbs with crisp white flesh—ideal for both bunching and prepacking. Its reliability and adaptability have made it the top choice for winter radish cultivation.

But Autella’s strength doesn’t stop at performance. It was the first radish variety with high resistance to White rust (Albugo candida), a disease that can seriously impact yields. By focusing on developing natural resilience—not chemicals—we’ve empowered growers to protect their crops while reducing inputs, supporting both profitability and sustainability.

Autella’s success is a proud milestone in Hazera’s mission to breed strong, healthy varieties that contribute to a fruitful future. And as we continue to listen, learn, and innovate together, we’re proving that even in the harshest seasons—growth is always possible.

Would you like to learn more about Autella? Contact us!

Was it destiny that led Maria Adamopoulou to the seed industry and Hazera? It certainly seems so.

Raised around her grandparents’ grocery store in Athens, she grew up watching them source fresh vegetables from the central market at dawn. These early experiences sparked a lifelong connection to fresh produce. After earning her degrees in agronomy, Maria initially considered a PhD but chose a different path after marrying an agronomist who represented Bejo in Greece. Following his sudden passing 12 years ago, she returned to her roots and founded a fresh vegetable distribution company, working closely with growers, traders, and retailers. In 2019, her industry expertise led Hazera Hellas to bring her on board. Today, she holds a dual role in Product Development for Lettuce and Brassicas, as well as Fresh Market Specialist.

---

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“Hazera’s brand story inspires me every day. With the support of a dedicated team and high-yielding products, I start each morning motivated and confident. Whether I’m in the field or at the office, I’m driven by a shared commitment to our customers and the feeling that we’re growing together.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar in action?
“Two years ago, I met the owner of a hydroponic greenhouse, who was new to the agriculture business at that time. After two years of failed tomato production, he didn’t want to hear about hybrids anymore. However, through ongoing visits and discussions with him, we uncovered the real issue: he was growing hybrids based on trader demands, without knowing his greenhouse was contaminated with ToBRFV. The varieties he used had no tolerance, leading to constant crop failures. The following season, he decided to try Lollipop—and everything changed. No diseases, excellent taste, beautiful shape and color, and most importantly, high yield and profits. Moments like these remind me why I’m proud to be part of a team that delivers real solutions. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to work with a company that offers not just products, but confidence and support every step of the way.”

What motivates you most about being part of this Hazera’s journey?
“Over the past six years, building strong relationships with growers and customers has brought me immense personal fulfillment. This motivates me to continuously improve and strengthen our collaboration, grounded in mutual trust and the expertise we provide. It can be challenging when I encounter a dissatisfied growers or customer, but my goal is to apply my knowledge and experience to address these concerns and, over time, turn the situation into a fruitful, lasting relationship.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I feel confident to be a member of Hazera. What excites me most is the prospects that are offered with Hazera’s innovative and dynamic R&D programs: products that will be on the top list of choices for our growers. We offer hybrids in the market with the purpose to combine quality, performance, and solutions to diseases and other problems that constantly arise in the growers’ everyday life.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Tatiana Waldraff brings over 20 years of experience in agriculture, including 13 years in the seed industry where she led sales and portfolio management. Four months ago, she joined Hazera as CBC Manager for the Americas. In her role, Tatiana oversees the regional portfolio, ensuring it delivers added value across the supply chain—enhancing crop performance for growers while also improving taste and nutritional quality for end consumers through the introduction of innovative traits.

---

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“As a consumer, I’m always searching for the best products for my family. Being part of Hazera—and contributing to the supply chain that brings nutritious, flavorful produce to tables every day—makes me both happy and proud. What really drew me to Hazera is the down-to-earth, back-to-basics mindset that runs through the company. When you visit a local market, it becomes clear why we do what we do. It inspires us to develop varieties that truly make sense—for the growers, the customers, and everyone along the supply chain. That’s the beauty of being part of Limagrain. As a company owned by growers, we have a strong sense of direction and stay focused on what really matters.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar in action?
“It’s not about a single project —it’s about what we do every day. We’re constantly striving to add value for all our customers, not just the growers, but also distributors, supermarkets, and ultimately, the consumers. We’ve moved beyond simply offering traits like disease resistance or higher yields. Now, we’re also focused on shelf life, flavor, and sustainable features that help us deliver nutritious, great-tasting products—while being mindful of the environment and making the most of the limited land we have.”

What motivates you most about being part of this Hazera’s journey?
“I really enjoy being out in the field with our growers. It’s always inspiring to see how hard they work and how our products help make their lives easier. But what’s even more rewarding is following that journey down the supply chain—to the packers, shippers, retailers, and ultimately, the end customer. That’s when you truly see the impact of our efforts—the results of all the hard work we put into R&D and product development as a company. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I’ve always believed—and even before I joined Hazera, I knew—that we have some of the best genetics in the industry. Today, that’s clearly reflected in how we’re developing new varieties and bringing innovative products to market. For instance, we were among the first companies to introduce ToBRFV-resistant tomatoes in affected regions, which truly transformed the outlook for many growers. Hazera has consistently been a pioneer in solving real challenges faced by growers and customers alike—and that’s a legacy we’re proud to continue. Our focus remains on delivering varieties that bring added value across the entire supply chain. In the past, seed companies were primarily focused on yield and basic disease resistance, with growers as their main customers. But that’s no longer the full picture. In recent years, the industry has evolved to recognize the importance of every link in the chain—from distributors to retailers and ultimately the consumers. Now, traits like taste, nutrition, shelf life, and visual appeal matter just as much as yield. It’s pushed us to raise the bar and innovate in exciting new ways—whether it’s introducing unique colors, special flavors, or varieties that make fruits and vegetables more appealing to people of all ages. That’s what makes our work even more meaningful: we’re not just growing produce, we’re inspiring healthier, more enjoyable eating habits.”

Clara Segura, has been a Tomato Breeding Lead and breeder at Hazera since 2011. Her role involves developing new beef and intermediate tomato varieties that are resilient, high-yielding, and adapted to various growing conditions.

---

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“As a biologist, Hazera’s brand story profoundly influences my daily work. It reminds me to look to nature for inspiration and solutions, fostering a deep respect for the natural world. This perspective drives me to develop sustainable varieties that benefit both our growers and the environment.”

Can you share a project when you felt this pillar: Inspired by Nature in action?
“One memorable project was our collaboration with local growers to develop a new variety adapted to early Spring planting, following exactly the most important requirements they expressed: big fruit size, good cold adaptability and earliness. Seeing the growers’ enthusiasm and the thriving crops was a powerful reminder of how our work being inspired by nature can create tangible benefits for growers.”

What motivates you most about being part of Hazera’s journey?
“What motivates me the most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on global food security. Knowing that our innovative solutions help growers around the world grow healthier, more resilient crops is incredibly fulfilling and drives me to continue pushing the boundaries of agricultural science.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“I am most excited about the potential for new technological advancements and sustainable practices that we can integrate into our work. The future holds endless possibilities for enhancing crop resilience and productivity, all while maintaining our commitment to the environment. At Hazera, we are poised to lead the way in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Jihan Mercier is the Head of Marketing and Business Development. Following her MBA, she started working in agriculture in 2012 and had the chance of living in Switzerland, Panama and Singapore. Jihan joined Limagrain first with HMC as their Portfolio Lead for Solanaceae in 2018 in the United States and transitioned to her current role with Hazera in 2021, in the Netherlands.

How does Hazera’s brand story have an impact on your day to day?
“2 years ago, we re-branded Hazera and since then, we have centered our mission around the core ethos of “growing together” by making people, partnerships, and crops flourish. This resonates deeply with me because beyond a statement, it really transcends how we work. Every day, our inclusive environment allows diverse perspectives to create breakthrough solutions. Whether brainstorming with team members from different cultural backgrounds or collaborating with growers in various regions, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it has truly become the engine for creativity and problem solving.”

Can you share a moment/project when you felt this pillar in action?
“We are a global company with more than a thousand employees spread between our 2 headquarters (Israel and the Netherlands) and our 11 subsidiaries. We have over 1,600 varieties sold in more than 130 markets. In essence, our global diversity is in action in every part of the company. Just look at our marketing team with its 35 team members with 13 nationalities, a gender parity of 51% female / 49% male and varied years of experience between 2 and 40 years. How much more diverse can we be? We leverage this diversity to collaboratively execute successful projects whether launching new varieties with value added traits, organizing events such as our recent participation at Fruit Logistica, our week 39 International Open days or in running global campaigns, like “Tomatoes That Work for You”. Everything we do is imprinted with a local touch and our commitment to understand the markets shows in the excitement customers display about working with us. If I must highlight a moment where I really saw diversity in action, I’m transported to a field in Northern Mexico where we were evaluating our new ToBRFV-IR varieties, and in the greenhouse, you had an American, a French, an Israeli, a Mexican, a South African and a Haitian (me) giving feedback on the varieties and that diversity in perspective is unparalleled.”

What motivates you most about being part of this journey of Hazera?
“What drives me most is knowing that I’m part of a company that values every voice. Hazera’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that we don’t just work side by side—we actively learn from one another. This nurturing environment embraces a spectrum of perspectives, allows us to create high-quality seeds, and leads to better, more innovative solutions. Our “People Behind the Crops” concept is a key testament to this diversity as we proudly showcase the people that contribute to Hazera’s success – in every part of the organization. We aspire to contribute to global food security and sustainable agriculture. In order to support our growers and customers; we need to embrace the diversity of our teams which bring passion, experience and strong commitment to innovation.”

What excites you the most about Hazera’s future?
“Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about Hazera’s future because our focus on diversity and innovation is paving the way for groundbreaking advancements. Anchoring our brand’s story to the deeply rooted values of global diversity took courage and I’m proud we’ve been able share how our story of growth, inclusivity, and collaboration went beyond a simple initiative and became the foundation of our innovative spirit. Diversity is not something we take for granted: the same way we embrace our people, we embrace the diversity of crops that we breed. The rich heritage of our varieties – such as Marshal, which celebrated 30 years as a game-changing pointed cabbage continues to embolden us to push the boundaries and to use our collective, diverse strength to transform agriculture and empower communities worldwide for generations to come. And that, excites and motivates me.”

Would you like to learn more about our brand story? Contact us!

Hazera, a global leader in seed breeding and development, announces a
significant advancement in sustainable seed treatment, proactively implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) while reinforcing its commitment to nature-inspired solutions that help crops flourish.

---

Beginning March 2025, Hazera will implement an innovative, environmentally conscious seed treatment program that showcases its dedication to protecting both agricultural communities and the environment. This initiative represents the culmination of a decade of intensive research and development, within the Limagrain group in collaboration with our partners with expertise in seed treatment. This confirms Hazera’s invested expertise in adopting solutions that support sustainable farming practices.

“This transition reflects our deep commitment and diligence to providing our growers high quality seeds,” says Renake Teixeira, Seed Technologist at Hazera.

Innovation Rooted in Nature

The new treatment program features:
– Novel biological plant protection solutions
– Innovative biostimulants
– Microplastic-free film coating

These changes maintain Hazera’s high performance standards while delivering enhanced environmental benefits.

Supporting Our Global Community

Understanding the diverse needs of its partners across 130 countries, Hazera’s team of experts will provide support throughout this transition. Growers can maintain their current seed storage practices while benefiting from these advanced protection methods.

“We have always focused on ensuring food security and supporting the global agricultural community,” states Renake. “This initiative represents another step forward in our journey to create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”

As we continue growing the future together, Hazera remains committed to delivering the high-quality seeds partners have trusted for over a century; now with enhanced sustainability features that support a shared vision for a more environmentally conscious future in agriculture.

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s spotlight Malgorzata Zadura, Product Development Manager from Warsaw, Poland.

---

Malgorzata Zadura, a Product Development Manager, from Poland, studied horticulture and her whole working life has been connected to the seed business. Right after finishing her studies, she started working for different seed businesses in Poland, and 20 years ago, she joined the Hazera team.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
Malgorzata said, “when I explain to people that part of my job is to evaluate the new varieties and introduce them to a Polish market, they are surprised because they don’t know that there are so many different varieties on the market. I can understand that for consumers it is not very obvious, and they think that the variety they buy in the stores is the same as the ones from twenty years ago.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to be successful in your job?
“In my opinion, the most important thing is that you need to do what you like and what you are passionate about. Just like me.” Smiles Malgorzata. “Even though I do not come from a horticultural family, I knew I wanted to work in horticulture, so I studied it and have worked in this field my whole life. But as a personal trait, I would say it is essential to be able to adapt to different situations as this position requires a lot of travelling.”

Tell us about a project you are proud of and why.
“I am proud of our “Delikatesy Hazera” product line we created for the varieties with exquisite taste because we noticed that people want to have tasty varieties and vegetables. We know from our clients who sell in the small markets that our tasty varieties are more popular. So, we started this “Delikatesy Hazera” product line with our pink tomatoes which were the first ones in the Polish market. The project is becoming so popular that our tasty varieties, even if they’re not so firm, are introduced to the supermarkets as well. This success is also a result of the high involvement and effort of the marketing team.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, it means a lot as I have been working in Hazera for almost twenty years, and I have witnessed a lot of growth in the company. For example, when I started, there were only six people in the Polish team and now it is around twenty people. I can say that I also grew.” Malgorzata reminisced about the time she started at Hazera. “I started as a salesperson and moved to product development. In the beginning, I was only responsible for Hazera products and later I started to work with crops that I was not familiar with at all. Of course, I had to learn all about them, so I grew my knowledge and skillset too. Also, during my twenty years, I have been collaborating with growers, and I see them grow as well. Some growers that I knew from the beginning are still growing our varieties and have much more hectares than they had some years ago.

Tell us something about yourself most people do not know.
Malgorzata started with a laugh. “People do not know what my real name is, because when I introduce myself to someone for the first time, I use my official name, but usually I sign my emails using one of my nicknames, like Gośka, Gosia. So, many people think that another person is writing the email for me. I always have to explain that my name is Malgorzata, but I have nine different nicknames. Also, sometimes, when it is difficult for people to pronounce my name, they can call me in the English version of my name, which is Margaret. I find it funny.”

Click here to learn more about the Delikatesy Hazera product line in Poland.

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often steal the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Caroline Wagner, a dedicated tomato breeder in the High-Tech TOV segment.  

---

Caroline Wagner has been with Hazera for four years as a tomato breeder in the High-Tech TOV segment. Caroline got her inspiration to pursue a career in agriculture from her uncles, as one was a farmer, the other one helped to build the first course of Agricultural Engineering in Brazil. Her academic journey includes attending an agricultural technical high school, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in plant breeding, and completing a Doctorate in Science focusing on quantitative genetics. She moved from Brazil in 2008 and has been working in high-tech agriculture since 2012. 

 What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise? 

Caroline shared two myths. One being a fun fact that “plant breeding is one of the oldest professions. Even the Bible mentions it and says that growers saved the best seeds from the best plants for the next season.” Then she continues with the other myth that “breeders are difficult people because of the advanced level of study involved in our work. Some believe we’re “too smart,” but that’s not the case. We’re regular people like anyone else -some better, some worse, but overall, we’re just human like everyone else.” 

 In your opinion, what is the most important personality strength someone would need to be successful in your job? 

According to Caroline, if you want to succeed in her job “you need to be curious and humble, always open to learning from others. It’s essential to understand, accept, and adapt to imperfections because you will make mistakes. If you cannot overcome those challenges, plant breeding may not be the right field for you. You must also have the resilience to handle frustration and work well as part of a team.” 

 Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why. 

“I’m proud of helping Hazera create a breeding strategy for High-Tech tomatoes and leading the implementation of the TOV breeding program. It has been a unique opportunity to define all the needs in terms of technology, people, and working models. Aligning the breeding plan with market needs and being part of the entire process of seeing new varieties from creation to becoming the best option for customers is incredibly satisfying. I feel grateful to work in a place that shares my values of transparency, honesty, and trust, and where my contributions are genuinely appreciated.” Caroline smiled then added, “it’s energizing to collaborate with colleagues across different departments and countries and to know that my work adds value to the team. I’ll never forget the moment when the first plants we bred were ready to go into the greenhouse in Made.” 

 What does “Hazera – Growing Together” mean to you? 

“To me, ‘Growing Together’ is more than a slogan.” Said Caroline. “It’s a vision for collaboration and collective success. Growth should always be a shared journey, whether it’s with colleagues or customers. It’s about working together, not in isolation.” 

 Tell us something interesting or funny about you most people don’t know. 

“When I was a child still living in southern Brazil, I used to mix up the sounds of “V” and “F” in words, just like Dutch people do. Funny enough, I ended up becoming a Dutch citizen, as if it was meant to be. Another lucky coincidence,” Caroline continued “is that I now live just 5 km from where my grandparents used to live for three years during their temporary relocation from Brazil to the Netherlands back in the 1980s.” 

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Michał Taraska, Hazera’s Global Value Chain Lead, was practically born into the world of agriculture—his family’s farming roots go back generations. With a master’s in agribusiness and a life-long fascination with how a tiny seed can turn into something amazing, he’s spent 15 years in the seed and vegetable industry. Almost nine of those were with Limagrain, and for the last five, he’s been shaping the Fresh Chain first in Poland and now in his global role.

---

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“People think that I’m always in meetings with retailer stores and their managers, but in reality, what takes up a lot of my time is preparation. Putting a product on the shelves takes a lot of effort. There are plenty of great vegetables on the market, and getting retailers to choose yours requires the cooperation of multiple departments and stakeholders for instance coordinating with breeders, analyzing market needs, and working with traders and retailers. Another myth is that in Fresh Chain, vegetables need branding too. Everyone takes the importance of branding for products like clothing or electronics for granted, but branding is also crucial for selling vegetables. You cannot just rely on the fact that they’re tasty and healthy—you need to make customers want them.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“I think it’s perseverance, and what I call the ‘gardening approach’ to business” Michał explains. “A gardener never expects his work to be finished—he knows it’s a continuous cycle. Just like we do. We plant seeds, nurture them, care for the garden every day, and harvest. Then, we start all over again. To thrive in this business, you need passion, a forward-thinking mindset, and a deep understanding of consumption and health trends. You need to bring quality and build trust, because people rely on both you and the product you deliver.” Then Michał adds “being open, positive, and eager to foster relationships with your business partners are also essential traits.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why?
“The project I’m most proud of is participating in the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award 2024 with our mini seedless watermelon, Exceed. When we began preparing for this event, we had a very tight timeline. But thanks to our dedicated team, an exceptional product, and a strong partnership with Staay Food Group, we achieved incredible success. This year, we were proud to return to Fruit Logistica, where we had a lot of meetings with major players interested in our tomato varieties.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, the core principle is building strong cooperation with our stakeholders and partners. Our goal is to support their success and grow alongside them. We strive to showcase the best of our products and pipeline, ensuring that together, we achieve sustainable growth and success.”

Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know.
“People who work with me quickly notice that I’m dyslexic, which means I sometimes make mistakes when speaking or writing emails. It’s more challenging for me than for the average person, but I also see dyslexia as an advantage as it enhances my creativity and intuition. I rely on my instincts to understand market trends and solve problems quickly by recognizing the most effective solutions.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, our dedicated team works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often take center stage, it is the Hazera team that truly drives our success. Today, we shine the spotlight on Milan Zivkovic from Leskovac, Serbia.

---

Milan Zivkovic, Product Development Manager, lives in Serbia with his wife and two children. He graduated as an agronomist in 2009 and has been working in the vegetable seed industry since then, taking on roles in sales, product development, and area management. Milan has been a valued member of the Hazera team for almost three years.

What is a common myth about your field of expertise?
“I think, especially in the Balkans, Southeast Europe, a common myth is that working in agriculture is very hard, involving heavy physical work or tough conditions. That’s why youngsters don’t choose agriculture as a profession, but they should as it’s a rewarding work. As an agronomist, you can travel, learn extensively, and meet many people.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
According to Milan, patience is crucial in his job. “You need to wait for results, particularly in product development, where it takes at least six months from sowing to harvesting and after that, it takes around three months to see the hybrids. So, first, it’s necessary to see how the varieties perform and only then make decisions based on the results. Precision, especially with timings, is also essential, because in agriculture if you miss something, you will need to wait another season.”

Tell us about a project you are proud of and why.
“Right when I started my journey at Hazera, I was ‘thrown into deep water’.” Laughs Milan. “By this, I mean that at that time we were organizing the open field days in Serbia. We had distributors from various countries in our region. For me, it was a fantastic start. It was a great opportunity to learn about our varieties, the market, and our customers. I’m proud of it, because I could contribute to the success of that event, even though I just started.”

What does Hazera growing together mean to you?
Milan says that “for me, growing together means two different things. One is professional growth as you can learn a lot from other colleagues and from the customers too. The other part is the growth of the company. Hazera is constantly investing in new ways and crops to stay on top of the market, and I think it’s a very good opportunity for our growers to grow together with us. Also, we’re solving a lot of problems for growers. For example, with ToBRFV, we started to introduce new varieties helping growers advance with us.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.
“I think that most people don’t know that I’m not just an agronomist, but also a farmer and vegetable grower. When we have visitors in our regions, they see that I’m also growing vegetables, and they are surprised to see my results.” Smiles Milan proudly. “One time, my six-year-old son helped me measure the sugar level of the watermelons I harvested, and he really liked the sweet taste of it. He said I have a cool job.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Jan-Lukas Pawlik (32) an R&D Trial Officer from Germany, who plays a vital role in our organization.

---

Jan-Lukas Pawlik has been working at Hazera as R&D Trial Officer since 2021 and is responsible for onion breeding trials in Germany in strong relation with the onion breeding team in Rilland. He lives with his wife and daughter in Weinheim. As the son of a biology teacher and a landscape architect, he has always been interested in the world of plants. After studying horticulture, he worked for an agricultural production company before joining Hazera.

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to have to work in your industry?

Flexibility and communication. As a trial area without a trial station, every activity is dependent on the partner growers and external companies. The weather and the availability of people and machinery must be coordinated. Whether to sow or harvest is decided anew every day.

 Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why

Our harvesting machine, which was over 50 years old, was about to break down and could not guarantee that the trial plots would not be mixed. I was responsible for selecting a new harvester and, together with the production company, the necessary improvements and adjustments were made for the trial harvest. Today we have a reliable, flexible and modern harvesting machine for the coming years.

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

Responsibility – for employees, customers and varieties. To grow together as a company with our customers and our environment.

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know

I’m not the biggest fan of the Christmas season, but I actually like the song ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ by Mariah Carey. So when this song is played up and down in the malls, I’m always happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

From November 12 to 15, Hazera once again made its mark at Expo Agroalimentaria Irapuato 2024, one of the most prominent agricultural events in Mexico and Latin America.

---

This annual gathering brings together producers, companies, and innovators in the agri-food sector, serving as a key platform for exchanging knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture.

This year, Hazera stood out with a dynamic booth and a highly skilled team dedicated to providing quality solutions for the challenges faced by growers. During the event, the team interacted with growers, distributors, and technicians, sharing experiences, personalized advice, and in-depth knowledge about the varieties best suited to specific growing conditions. It was also a privilege to welcome Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg, at the expo.

Hazera’s portfolio for this year included an impressive selection of varieties that have demonstrated outstanding performance in different agricultural regions. Some of the most notable were Canelo, Mago, Pendragon, Windsor, Fénix and Galoper.

Furthermore, Hazera introduced two new additions in its portfolio this year: Heredero and Indomable, which sparked significant interest among attendees. These varieties were developed to provide innovative solutions to meet current agricultural market needs, standing out for their resistance, productivity, and high quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hazera Mexico team extends its gratitude to all the visitors, partners who made this experience a resounding success. Their participation serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved by uniting efforts for the benefit of the agricultural sector.

See you at next year’s Expo Agroalimentaria!

A conversation with Hazera’s new CEO, Ofer Peleg

In his two and half years as Deputy CEO, and in leadership roles at dynamic global companies, Ofer Peleg has gained significant experience in business and agriculture. Now, as he steps into the CEO-role at Hazera, Ofer reflects on lessons learned and looks ahead to what the future holds.

---

“It’s been a fascinating 2.5 years, in which we’ve worked to optimize our efficiencies and leverage our capabilities”, Ofer begins. “I find the most valuable lessons to be this industry’s innovative nature and strong focus on sustainability.  That is what is leading us to find better solutions every day. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Growing Together
“For me, the customer is front and center,” Ofer explains his priorities and his plans to strengthen Hazera’s focus on growing together with customers worldwide, and with the growers in a diverse global community in more than 130 countries.

“We’re putting great effort into adding value for them with our solutions, such as improving our loyalty programs, service level agreements and seed products to meet the needs of clients in different markets.”

 “There’s a strong sense of partnership, professionalism and community within the organization. It is evident that our employees enjoy what they do and go above and beyond.” Ofer highly values the input he receives from employees. “It’s important to me to always be listening to what they have to say. I’ll admit that I can be demanding as a manager, but the greatest demands I make, are for myself.” To continue moving forward, Ofer says, Hazera as an organization needs to be flexible, agile and strongly focused on product quality. “By fostering a strong sense of ownership in everything we do, we can push our organization to excellence.”

Building on a century of growth
With Hazera celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2025, Ofer takes a look at the future. “I’m honored that we’re part of the Limagrain Group, , together with our sister companies Vilmorin.Mikado and HM.Clause: the number one vegetable seed company in the world. Together, I see us continuing to play a huge role in the successes of the vegetable seed industry. And, most importantly, in the successes of the growers that we’ve been serving for nearly a century. We look forward to serving them for the century to come!” #GrowingtogetherAbout Ofer Peleg
Ofer joined Hazera in 2022 as deputy CEO after working for four years at Netafim (precision Irrigation global leader) as Vice-President, Global Supply Chain. Ofer had also previously worked 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, most prominently at Teva Pharmaceuticals.

 

For more information, please contact:
www.hazera.com / or check our social channels

HAZERA: Growing Together
Hazera Seeds is a global company that develops, produces, and commercialize  seed varieties and is a global leader in the seed industry. Hazera has headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel and operates subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets.
Hazera is part of the Limagrain Group, an international farmers’ cooperative based in France. Limagrain has grown into the largest seed company in Europe, specializing in vegetables, field crops and cereals. The vegetable seed division at Limagrain is the largest in the industry

 

Hazera held its International Open Days from September 24th to 26th, welcoming hundreds of customers from all over the world. During the event, visitors had the opportunity to “connect their senses” by touching and tasting a wide range of Hazera varieties at the fields and on displays, while also hearing insights from our crop experts about key highlights.

---

We had the pleasure of speaking with one of our customers attending the event, Ipatioaie Costel, the sales representative for Adri Prodcom in eastern Romania. With over 16 years of experience working with Hazera, Ipatioaie primarily focuses on tomatoes and cabbage, while also dealing with radishes, peppers, and watermelons.

The conversation began with a discussion of the challenges currently facing the agricultural industry. According to Ipatioaie, the biggest hurdle is adapting to the rapidly shifting market demands. He emphasized the importance of understanding growers’ needs, developing strategies to meet them, and introducing innovative products while maintaining a competitive edge. “None of this is possible,” he noted, “without quality seeds, high-yielding varieties, fair pricing, and strong grower support.”

When asked about Hazera’s ability to respond to these market changes, Ipatioaie highlighted the strong collaboration between his team and Hazera. “This partnership allows us to take the necessary steps to overcome challenges. We work together to identify what is important—finding new, quality varieties for the market. It is a step-by-step process. First, we assess the market and competition, then work with Hazera to conduct trials, evaluate the results, and decide if a variety is suitable. This takes time—patience is key, especially since some varieties respond to market needs faster than others.”

Reflecting on his long-standing partnership with us, Ipatioaie expressed pride in the company’s consistent delivery of high-quality products, particularly tomatoes. “Hazera tomatoes are known for their taste, color, and quality,” he said. “Consumers first look for good taste, then color, and now they also want quality and high yield.” He described the balance between taste, resistance, and transportability as like a chess game, where you must prioritize traits based on market demand.

Ipatioaie thought that Hazera’s slogan, “Growing Together,” is both meaningful and fitting. “It is a powerful message,” he remarked. “Working together is essential for success, and this slogan perfectly reflects the shared commitment in the whole industry.”

For Ipatioaie, the most rewarding part of his job is engaging with growers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that truly make a difference. “That’s the best part—offering quality solutions after listening to their needs. To do this successfully, you need strong collaboration skills. Without being close to the growers and understanding the markets, success is impossible.”

Would you like to learn more? Contact us!

On September 24–26, Hazera will host its annual International Open Days in Warmenhuizen, where you will have the opportunity to explore our crop varieties up close and also get an inside look at the breeding process behind these varieties directly from Manu Parmar, our Global Breeding Lead for Cabbage.

---

Manu Parmar has been working with Hazera for the past few months and he is based in Warmenhuizen. He lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters. He was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. His father is a soil scientist, which motivated Manu to pursue an education in the field of agricultural sciences. He did his PhD in vegetable crops with a specialization in Breeding from Punjab Agricultural University. He has 18 years of experience in breeding various vegetable crops and back in India, he was a cabbage breeder.

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?
“I think a common myth about working as a plant breeder in a seed company is that the job is mostly about working in the fields and greenhouses. While fieldwork is certainly a part of the job, plant breeders often spend a significant amount of time in the office conducting data analysis, planning breeding programs, and managing projects.” Manu thinks for a second then continues saying that “another myth is that plant breeders are solely responsible for all aspects of the breeding process. But in reality, they often work as part of a larger team that includes research associates, lab technicians, and other specialists. This collaborative environment helps to streamline the breeding process and incorporate various expertise.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“One of the most important strengths for a plant breeder is strong analytical skills. This involves the ability to capture plant traits, interpret complex data and make informed decisions based on genetic, environmental, and experimental data. Collaboration and communication skills are important to be able to work across cross functional teams of genetics and lab scientists to bring innovation, speed and agility to the breeding program.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“I am proud to be part of the brassica breeding team and it is part of the heritage of Hazera. It started with developing varieties for Western Europe, but today we are a global player with a wide assortment of specific varieties. Pointed cabbage is our specialty with varieties like Dutchman, Regency and Marshal, and Berlenga for western Europe and Mediterranean markets.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me Growing together means that the Hazera team believes in working through challenges, just like increasing world population, pandemics, regional conflicts, reduction of arable land, and climate change, and is determined to develop superior varieties and achieve food security.”

Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
“In India, we drive on the left side, so it was quite an adjustment for me to learn how to drive on the right side when I came to the Netherlands.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Learn more and register for our International Open Days here!

Last week, Hazera USA hosted its annual Hall Field Days in New York, drawing over a hundred customers, growers, and distributors from across the United States. The event offered a unique opportunity for the attendees to explore Hazera’s latest varieties and innovative new concepts, like ‘Tomatoes that Work for You’ shaping the future of agriculture.

---

The event kicked off with an introduction and launch of Hazera’s new concept of ‘Tomatoes that Work for You,’ presented by Hazera’s Tomato Expert and Regional Manager, Arno Van Staden. This forward-thinking initiative addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the tomato industry today, including rising production costs, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices. Arno’s presentation underscored Hazera’s commitment to leading the way in agricultural innovation.

Another key highlight was the showcase of Hazera’s ToBRFV resistant tomato varieties. These breakthroughs represent a significant advancement in crop protection, offering enhanced resistance to ToBRFV. This innovation is crucial for maintaining crop health and ensuring consistent productivity despite the growing threat of diseases.

Attendees were also introduced to Hazera’s latest watermelon, cabbage, and sunflower breeds. These new varieties have been developed with a focus on improved yield, superior taste, and greater resilience. The excitement among the participants was palpable as they explored the potential of these crops.

One of the most cherished aspects of the Hall Field Days was the opportunity for face-to-face interactions. Meeting customers, growers, and distributors in person allowed for meaningful exchanges, strengthening relationships and collaboration. The passion and commitment of the participants were truly inspiring, reinforcing Hazera’s dedication to supporting its partners in every possible way.

We look forward to many more opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

 

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Giannis Grammatikakis, Product Development Manager from Heraklion, Greece.

---

Giannis Grammatikakis (51) lives in Heraklion, Greece with his wife and two children. His professional journey began at a local agricultural shop in the Tympaki area of Crete, then he joined the distribution team at Bayer Chemicals in Crete. For several years, he worked with a seed company that served as the distributor for Syngenta Seeds, Fito Seeds, and Gautier Seeds in Greece. His experience primarily revolves around fieldwork, including both open-field and greenhouse cultivation (without heating). Giannis joined the Hazera Greece team five years, and he has been covering the entire country as a Product Development Manager. Based on his experience, he specializes in the cultivation of Tomato, Cucumber, Peppers, Eggplants, and Melon varieties.

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone should have to work in your industry?
“In my industry, the key personality strength for success is having a specific goal and persistence. Achieving business goals, especially in competitive areas like seed businesses, often requires years of dedication. If you want to be successful in our industry, you need to be able to identify your product’s unique advantages and secure market shares.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.
“One project that stands out for me is the development and introduction of the new ToBRFV hybrids, Thireos (in 2023) and Lollipop (in 2024), to the Greek market.” Says Giannis with a proud face. “ToBRFV, a novel tomato virus, poses significant challenges for greenhouse tomato producers. Hazera’s research program provided me with the opportunity to discover and introduce Thireos, the beef tomato hybrid, and Lollipop, the mini plum tomato. Improving greenhouse tomato yield while maintaining cultivation satisfaction made this project truly rewarding!”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?
“For me, Hazera- Growing Together embodies the spirit of collaboration, progress, and shared success. It’s about working together to innovate, build partnerships, and grow. We work together, stay dedicated, and keep learning to create an environment, where everyone can contribute. For example, to get a successful hybrid, breeders, product developers, product managers, marcom employees, and salespeople must work together.”

Tell us something about you the most people don’t know.
“After a tough and demanding workweek, going fishing on my boat calms me down and I find peace in the quietness of the sea.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Bertus De Ruiter from Barendrecht, the Netherlands, who plays a vital role in our organization.

---

Bertus was working as a vegetable cutter before joining Hazera. He started working as an all-round employee at the plant and over the years became a plant manager. After working for Hazera for 44 years, Bertus retired. However, there is a fun twist to his story. He came back to work for a few extra months to support the new colleagues in our plant.

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to have to work in your industry?

“Time management is very important because the customers are waiting for their orders and that means a lot of work in a very short time for us in the plant. We have a lot of steps in preparing the orders for shipment, which require precision and good team work as well.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.

“I am proud of the orders being on time and being good. As I mentioned, it can be a quite hectic job with a lot of steps in between to do right and a lot of people to work together with. Especially now, we have a lot of new colleagues who need a little support. So, I though, I could come back and mentor them a little bit, help them learn the process and I am happy that it is going well.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

“I think Hazera is a great company. It supports its employees’ well-being, but also works hard to meet the expectations of its customers. I work in the plant.” Bertus stops for a moment. “Or worked… but I am in contact with colleagues from other departments as well and I see and hear how hard they work. And I think it is appreciated.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

“I do not really have a hobby. I like to work. I am here for a short while, but then I will have to look for a hobby for myself.” Bertus laughs. “I like food and it might be funny that I work with vegetable seeds, but I am not keen on vegetables.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Paul Fiers has been working for Hazera since 2022 as a crop specialist for onions and leek in the southeast Netherlands region. He is married to May and has a son and a daughter. Paul has a rich agricultural history. He was a team leader in agribusiness industry for 15 years and he also had his own vegetable growing business till 2006. Paul said “working in and with nature is always challenging and requires a flexible attitude. “If it can’t be done as it should then it should be done as it can” is a saying that fits me well.”

---

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to have to work in your industry?

“To be successful in our industry, it is important to have a good network and continue to build on it.” Said Paul. “You must enjoy meeting new people. We also have a huge capital of experience and knowledge within Hazera. If you know how to combine all this information well with your own experience, then you will always be an excellent discussion partner. And as the saying goes a flying crow always catches something.” He smiled.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.

“Something I’m certainly proud of are the strides we made with the onion sales team last year. By making good use of the cultivation area per region we are much better at making the forecast. With this, we can actually see what our market share is per region and per variety. Based on this we make an action plan per region to increase the market share.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

“For me, growing together means working with everyone the best possible way, understanding and thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems.”

Can you please explain how one of Hazera’s pillars affects you daily?

“We have the earth on loan and are obliged to pass it on better than as we found it.” Said Paul. “Here I see the pillars of Hazera (inspired by nature/ good for people/ global diversity and invested expertise) reflected. With a rapidly growing world population, we face major challenges we need to overcome.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

“When I was young, I played trumpet for several years, but due to busy work I later stopped doing this.” Said Paul in a sad voice. “A few years ago, I made an attempt to start playing trumpet again but have not really succeeded until now. Who knows what the future will bring?”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While we tend to put our products in the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Alvaro Andrino (45), Sales Manager for Central America from Guatemala City, Central America.

---

Alvaro Andrino (45) has always wanted to study and work in agriculture. Even though his family had been involved in the industry, it was his childhood friends, who made him want to go into this field. “When I was young, I spent a lot of time at my friends’ cattle farm to look at the animals and to be a “cowboy.” He smiled. “I was always surrounded by agriculture, so it is not surprising that I fell in love with this industry. After graduation, I started my professional career working with plants. It has been about 24 years now.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to have to work in your industry?

“Patience.” Alvaro said right away with confidence. “You must be very patient. I have a history of working with chemicals you apply to the crops. That was my first job and I quickly learnt, that when working with chemicals you can do trials and within 24 – 48 hours, you can see the results. With seeds, it is different, it is slow. Developing a good variety can take years.” Alvaro continued. “So, patience is very important, but so is understanding the crops from the beginning. In this job, you need to be on the fields to truly understand the crop and to see the characteristics that would make a variety successful.”

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and why.

“I am quite proud of the Exceed project we are working on for the Fresh Chain. As part of it, with our mini seedless watermelon variety, Exceed, we got ranked quite high at the innovation award at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. I am happy about it because it is a project, we started around three years ago when developing this variety. I was confident in Exceed, but what positively surprised me was how efficiently and professionally the team worked to achieve this. We needed to arrange samples for the event, we needed to do the promotions, and talk to the clients at the fair etc… There was trust, which is very important.” He says with a smile. “Especially because we are still just at the beginning of this project.”

What does “Hazera- Growing Together” mean to you?

“For me, growing together means understanding that event though everything begins with the seed, we need to work together with breeders, growers, portfolio managers and so on to develop the right seeds that can grow into a strong plant and later can prove a nice dining experience to people. We need to develop new technologies, have to listen to growers, and be on the fields to see and learn. Learning is also a form of growing.”

How do you see Hazera’s story reflect in your day to day work?

“Hazera’s story elements: inspired by nature, good for people, global diversity, and Invested expertise are very connected and are important to me.” Alvaro was thinking hard. “But if I had to choose one, I would say inspired by nature. I consider myself a lucky person for having to work in in this field for a long time. I love going to the field early in the morning when the sun has not even come out yet, but when it does, you see the whole crop in a different light, it is like as if the sun is giving them life. It is beautiful. But I also understand how much work it is to create such a beauty. Just think of how much effort and time are put into one seed. But it is all worth it because we are doing good for people, providing them with food.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know.

“I have a wonderful family. I am happily married to my wife, Luisa and we have an amazing cat, Dalí. I love sports. Any kind, let it be rowing, tennis, football, rugby. I try to do sports every day, even at four in the morning or ten at night. I am very passionate about it. I think that your mind and body have to be on the same level. You cannot be a balanced person if you are not taking care of yourself. I am also very passionate about the industry and my work. Also, because I love doing what I do, but also because of my mother, who passed away two years ago.” Alvaro continued with a sad voice. “She and my two older brothers were and still are a great inspiration for me in everything I do. She was a truly amazing woman who motivated me a lot to continue study and to do a good work.

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

At Hazera, we are proud of our dedicated team, which works passionately to provide our growers with the best products. While our products often grab the headlines, it is the Hazera team who are behind our success. Let’s shine the spotlight on Yossi Kuttin (49), a Sales and Commercial Manager from Gedera, Israel.

---

Yossi Kuttin is 49 years old and happily married to his wife, Rona. They have three daughters (18, 14, and 11) and they live in Gedera, which is conveniently just a 10-minute drive from Brurim. Yossi has been with Hazera for four years. “Next month, I will celebrate my fifth year as the Commercial Manager of Israel, overseeing sales and product development in the Israeli market.”

What is a common myth about your job or field of expertise?

“I’m an agronomist, an expert in the science of soil management and crop production. When my friends hear that, they usually assume that I know everything about agriculture and plants, regardless of where I work—whether it’s related to ornamental trees or their mother’s garden.”

In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait someone would need to work in your industry?

“I believe that the key skill lies in managing multidimensional relationships. In my position, I am responsible for overseeing the local market team and maintaining fruitful relationships with customers, suppliers, colleagues from sister companies, and various internal departments such as marketing, R&D, S&OP, MarCom, finance, legal, and human resources (HR). Each of these entities has its perspectives, objectives, and intentions, and my challenge is to effectively be working with all of them while also achieving my targets and goals.”

Can you name a project you are proud of and why?

On October 7th, when the war broke out, many of our customers were dramatically affected all over Israel, especially in the region close to Gaza. Firstly, their families had to evacuate the region, leaving them to manage their farms from home, right next to the war zone. Secondly, many foreign employees left due to fear of the conflict, leaving the growers without sufficient labour. In response, my team and I, next to many Israeli citizens, volunteered and assisted the growers. For several weeks, we visited different growers and plant raisers once a week, providing labour support in the fields and greenhouses. Additionally, we extended support by delaying payments for customers who lived close to Gaza and were hit the hardest. I take pride in reaching out to these growers in the name of Hazera and remaining committed to supporting Israeli agriculture in every way possible.

Which books/movies would you recommend and why?

I recommend the book titled “A Tale of Love and Darkness” by Amos Oz, one of Israel’s renowned authors. In this autobiography, Amos Oz vividly portrays the roots of his family, including the tragic lives of himself and his parents in Jerusalem, as well as his experience in the kibbutz and Tel Aviv. These personal events are interwoven with an epic account of Israel’s establishment as a nation, alongside other significant historical events. It’s a compelling read for everyone, especially those interested in delving deeper into the history of Israel.”

Do you want to stay connected with our Hazera people?

Follow us our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

In Hazera, we tend to put the spotlight on our successful products, yet their success starts with the People of Hazera: the truly committed and passionate experts who make it all happen on a daily basis. Meet Avi Gabai (65), our Production Research Manager from Herzliya, a city in central Israel. Avi spent more than three decades at Hazera in different roles, directly reflecting the progress and the growth Hazera has achieved during these years.

---

Avi has been with Hazera since 1990 in different roles in R&D and the Production departments, and from 2010 he has been managing the research in Production, improving the methods and tools of seed production, bringing innovation and solutions as continuous improvement processes. With his work, Avi helps the production teams improve their production performance for all of the Hazera crops.

“What is a common myth or preconception about your job or field of  expertise?”

“If you will ask the people of Hazera, they would say I’m only dealing with Onions” he says while grinning (which isn’t the case). “When I am talking with people outside Hazera, it always come to this one question: ‘What happened to the taste of tomatoes? Bring it back please’.” Apparently, it’s the most painful subject people relate to.

“In your opinion, what is the most important personality trait/strength someone would need to work in your industry/be successful in your job?”

“In my field at Hazera, I work in collaboration with different groups in production, and it became evident that the most important trait is the ability to ‘recruit’ people to join your cause, and together achieve the goal of improving the production process and consequently- the results. Getting them involved, making them feel this project is really theirs, and beyond. Continuous improvement is a team effort.”

“Tell us about a project you are really proud of and why”

“I am really proud of our joint activity in the start-up incubator with ‘South Up’. Together, we created an accelerator, enabling AG-Tech start-ups to receive help from us, in terms of mentoring, facilities and funds, and in return these start-ups are giving the benefit of new and innovative technologies we can embed into Hazera. Also, their culture of fast and agile work processes can contribute to our culture in Hazera. This is a win-win situation: Hazera can enforce its growth engines with the new technology and they can develop it into something that could be shared with the world and become commercial and profitable.”

“What book or movie you would recommend us and why?”

“Setting all politics aside, I want to recommend a book that I am reading now. It’s called “Who’s Michael?”,  written by Eliezer Shkedy, former chief commander of the Israeli Air Force, and former CEO of El Al. The book contains short stories from his past, showcasing his positive and humane approach to life. He tried to understand the other side above all, although he had some of the most demanding and stressing positions in the army- also true for him as a civilian. The way he followed and listened to his heart, thought about others and not just himself is really impressive and inspirational to me and I try to incorporate this attitude on a daily basis.”

Want to know more about our people?

Follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our Hazera people! If you have any questions left, don’t hesitate to ask them via our contact page!

Take a look around and find out more!

A brand new look & feel, easier navigation & regional variety information.
The website is a whole in one.com. An one-stop-shop platform for all our international and local partners. It means we now operate from hazera.com with (automatic) redirections to regional websites.

Whole in one .com
The site features easier navigation, a brand new look & feel and regional variety information. In the regional variety information you will find more detailed information about our varieties, like resistances and harvesting and sowing tables. You can also use filters to find the most suitable variety and select a digital or physical event you want to attend. We will use the website also as platform to share our knowledge and latest insights with our partners.

About Hazera
Hazera Seeds is a global organization committed to developing high-quality vegetables seeds that allow communities to flourish. Our mission is making people, partnerships and fruit and vegetables flourish. We have headquarters in both the Netherlands and Israel, operating subsidiaries in 11 countries, together with a distribution network serving over 130 markets. Our partners operate in all kinds of climates, and under diverse growing conditions and market requirements. For over a century, our top priority has been walking alongside them, developing an enormous variety of seeds and providing comprehensive support every step of the way. Hazera’s team of experts works directly with growers to evaluate their needs, assist during variety selection and provide guidance and support throughout the crop cycle.
We are part of the Limagrain Group, an international agri-business based in France.

(more…)

What will agriculture look like in 2050? Find out now during our talkshow with Pim Swager (TB&S), Freija van Duijne (Futuremotions) and Ronald Hoek (Blue Radix).
(more…)

The production of greenhouse cucumbers has expanded rapidly over the last years. Greenhouse cucumbers can be one of the most productive crops. However, this productivity relies on precise control of irrigation, plant nutrition, and the growing environment, in addition to the effective management of pests and diseases. Greenhouse cultivation of cucumbers has many advantages over regular, open-field cultivation. In this article, we will discuss some of these advantages and the need to prioritize cucumber production under greenhouse cultivation. (more…)

Discover how to recognize the symptoms of ToLCNDV, a new cucumber crop virus spreading rapidly across the Middle East and Mediterranean region and how to control its spread. (more…)

As a seed company, we focus on genetics, and Operations combines models of operational effectiveness with flexible platforms for Breeders. (more…)

“The work in the greenhouses, the experiments, and responding to the needs of the Breeders are among the most complex phases in the process of breeding our varieties.”

Interview with Elad Shalit, Global R&D Operations Director, Hazera

In Hazera, a global company which breeds, develops, produces and markets variety of vegetable seeds for growers around the world, the production of seeds for research and development (R&D) is an extremely important part of the process. In order to maintain the continual launch of new, improved vegetable varieties, it is necessary to ensure that the seeds, of the desired quantity and required quality, will arrive at their testing destinations on time. Fruited vegetable varieties are usually targeted to one of the two seasons, Spring or Autumn. One main challenge is to produce seeds during the “counter-season”, opposite to the season targeted for variety trials, since it is not optimal for variety performance. This is not a simple task, and requires a high level of flexibility, agility and creative innovation.

We met with Elad Shalit to hear about Hazera’s R&D Operations, which is an essential part in the successful development of high-performing vegetable varieties. We learned how complex the process is and how it is integral to the advancement of their varieties in the market. Operations is the platform that facilitates the advancement of new varieties by Breeders and Scientists and Trial Managers from concept and genetic material through different growth processes to execution of performance trials in the target markets.

Elad is Hazera’s Global R&D Operations Director for greenhouses and open fields. He is responsible for 11 R&D sites around the world, with the main Breeding & Research centers in Israel and Holland.

“The work in the greenhouses, the experiments, and responding to the needs of the Breeders are among the most complex phases in the process of breeding our varieties,” says Elad.

The farm in Israel for breeding vegetable varieties covers an area of 24 hectares and has numerous greenhouses and other structures of various sizes, as well as the technological means to provide accurate growing conditions for each variety. “We supply seeds from Operations on time and in the required quantity, facilitating trials according to the climatic conditions of the different destination countries to which we export after the breeding process,” says Elad. Hazera’s advanced technological capabilities enable the company to improve breeding conditions and accelerate development timelines for the introduction of new and innovative traits to the varieties, for improvement of product quality, horticultural performance, resistance to diseases and other pests, and tolerance to stresses.

As part of the Limagrain Group, Hazera benefits from collaborations in Operations and other functions which augment technological capabilities and enable implementation of systems and processes that have already been tested by Limagrain. Limagrain defines high standards for all of its sites worldwide, including environmentally-friendly farming models, reduction of impact on the ecosystem, employment and labor practices, and more. These norms that have been implemented in Hazera operations at all stations, and in accordance with the requirements of each country.

The first phase of the breeding process maps the target market and its needs, and identifies characteristics of successful varieties and key players. In a second phase, the Breeders and Scientists study the genetic material available for that market and compare it to the varieties already in the market, to design and develop the type of product that can have impact. Operations then goes into high gear to help provide the best approaches for the opportunity. It works continuously with the Breeders to prepare and provide the best quality hybrid seeds needed for testing, selection and demonstration: for the target market: choosing optimal growing methods, controlling the process, and sending seeds to the destination country for the performance and demonstration trials.

Adapting the Growing Conditions to Its Genetics

One of the roles of Operation is to adapt the growing conditions to the needs of the crop: greenhouse type and size; ventilation, heating, cooling and irrigation conditions; fertilization; type of medium (soil type or soil-less medium). All these are intertwined, and the process must be closely monitored while ensuring the conditions are adapted optimally to the plants.

Another variable that affects conditions is genetic diversity. For example, one R&D greenhouse may have up to 1,000 different varieties and the genetic diversity may require different conditions for each variety. The processes in this case must accommodate this variability to ensure success in growing the plants.

Operations Team

The large variety of crops and the flexibility required to adapt the varieties to the target markets pose a great challenge for Hazera’s Operations. Success in managing these demanding requirements is very much dependent upon close cooperation between Operations and the Breeding Department, and collaborative support of R&D Laboratories and Quality Assurance Testing throughout the entire process.

“The vast experience of our teams is the foundation for the development of our processes to comply with the breeding requirements. Professional expertise, in-depth knowledge of the genetic materials, and interchange of innovative ideas lead to improved quality and efficiency,” says Elad Shalit.

Seeds Health

“During the production process, it is very important to maintain the genetic material free of any disease, and for that reason the greenhouses are treated like fortresses,” continues Elad. “Since any contact with the plants with our clothes or hands can leave infectious residues for some diseases, which can be transmitted onwards (similar to the current global COVID-19 pandemic), the rules for entering the site are extremely strict. There’s also frequent pest control, as pests can also be vectors that carry disease. We also sample the plants (leaves and seeds), to assess their health status, before seeding, during the growing and after picking. All of these measures enable us to maintain a clean phytosanitary environment that acts as an isolated island or fortress,” he says.

Nursery

“Hazera is not a commercial nursery; however, we want to maintain the genetic material in the company, so almost all seedlings come from our own nursery. During the breeding process, our nursery provides seedlings also to external growers and to the breeding greenhouses, all year round,” says Elad.

The nursery is equipped with all the systems required in a commercial nursery, including automatic irrigation, fertilization, and crop-management systems, and has the ability to grow plants with strong root and shoot systems. All these enable the nursery to produce healthy seedlings for transplanting in greenhouses and fields. Then, due to phytosanitary reasons, once a seedling is moved out of the nursery (transplanting, sampling, etc.), it cannot be returned.

Safety

Last, but not least – Safety is regarded as an integral part of Hazera’s culture. Operations is a very interesting department, as it involves a wide range of activities, automation mechanisms, processes, and infrastructures. “Our scope of operations and work conditions demand that we pay careful attention not only to the plants but also, and in particular, to the people doing the work, our teams,” adds Shalit. “We frequently conduct safety and risk surveys with professionals and our teams, invest in theoretical and hands-on training of our employees, and encourage them to report risks, malfunctions and hazards. We are all committed to the highest work standards. We do not save on expenses and improvements to ensure a safe work environment.”

Stay tuned for the second part of this article to be further focused on the technological breakthroughs implemented, that will be published on Israel Agri.

The article was first published in Israel Agri

Written by: Dr. David Levy,
Plant Pathologist, Hazera

Globalization of our world over the past several decades has driven a huge increase in the global movement of biological material, providing numerous opportunities for the spread of diseases in a relatively short time. (more…)

Precision agriculture (PA) reportedly has the potential to boost agricultural productivity by 70% by 2050. With a growing global population, PA techniques can deliver much-needed food security in the decades to come. Precision agriculture (PA), is a crop-farming management concept based on identifying and managing the variability of growing conditions on the crop farm.

(more…)