Hubrecht Janse started growing salt carob for the Dutch fresh market in 2006. Soon after, he wanted to harvest mechanically. “Of course we must first eliminate some prejudices. Not everyone is confident in the quality of the salt carob harvested by the machine. But, so far, we have convinced the market,” he said
Janse’s company Zeeuws Zilt originated in De Heerlijkheid, a Dutch family business with a large rural campsite and an arable farm in Zeeland. On the 65-hectare farm, crops such as potatoes, sugar beets, wheat and grass seeds are planted. One hectare is reserved for Salicoria. It is grown on land, using salt water from Lake Vail.
"In our search for a mechanical harvesting solution, we discovered Pack TTI's EazyCut pruning system," Hubrecht said. The system was originally used to pick tea and hang it on bushes, but this is not an option for Salicoria. This is why Arnold van Heek built a frame to connect the system. Arnold is also an EazyCut distributor in the Netherlands. The system uses ultra-sharp knives to harvest crops and blows the plants back into an undamaged collection bag.
Saving labor costs is not even the main reason for wanting to harvest mechanically; it makes work more comfortable. "The galvanized frame above the EazyCut system allows us to harvest at a fixed height, which makes work more comfortable. It does save manpower, but you still need two people to operate the machine."
"However, I think the biggest benefit is that we no longer need to kneel. We have gained 15 weeks, 6 days a week. Now it is much easier to do. This machine gives us a lot of work satisfaction and flexibility. In addition, I like our commitment to professionalizing our crops," Hubrecht continued.
"We bought the first machine in 2009 and replaced it with the second version in 2014. Its wheelbase has been widened for us from 1,20m to 1,52m, so it is very suitable for our driving path . Otherwise, you have to drive and go through the plants. So far, we have 13 seasons of experience using this system. We are the first in the world to harvest salt carob in this way, and since then, Several carob growers in Portugal, Israel, France and other places follow our example."
"The system is not cheap, but we are very satisfied with it. We have to deal with salt, moisture, and sometimes sand, so things are easy to wear. We contacted Pack TTI to buy parts, they never have to do this and replace so quickly I like that they are so close. They have a lot of parts in stock, and they brainstorm with me to discuss what I need. This is also very popular because it is usually in the middle of the season, when you need something. We harvest fresh from our customers You are working every day, so if things come to a standstill, you want to get back to work as soon as possible,” Hubrecht explained.
This Salicornia is harvested from mid-May to mid-September. "Last season went well, although challenging. Humid, dark conditions cause fungal stress, and Salicornia sometimes does not grow well." This marsh samphire is sold to wholesalers, restaurants, farm shops, and direct sales.
In recent years, the Salicornia market has grown. "The challenge is to find a place for seasonal products. You are not suitable for any place. This type of planting is far from being developed, but we are satisfied with mechanical harvesting," Hubrecht concludes.
For more information: Hubrecht Janse Zeeuws Zilt 10 Muidenweg 4471 NM Wolphaartsdijk, NL Phone: 31 (0) 622 484 241 Email: info@zeeuwszilt.nl Website: www.zeeuwszilt.nl
Christian Oosterlaan Pack TTI 16 Gildenweg 3334 KC, Zwijndrecht, NL Phone: 31 (0) 884 256 240 Email: co@packtti.com Website: www.packtti.com
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