On the Friday following the Greentech, Prins Group, in partnership with Prins Greenhouses and Prins USA, hosted its very first Grower Day event tailored specifically for visiting North American growers.
With many international growers already in the Netherlands for the Greentech, the team saw a perfect opportunity to extend their stay with a day full of insightful tours and networking.
A total of 17 growers joined the event, making it a great success and setting a strong foundation for future editions.
The day kicked off at Prins Group in Kwintsheul, where Tom van Veen welcomed the group with a company presentation before taking them on an in-depth tour of the production facility. It was a great chance to learn more about Prins Group's operations and innovations up close.
© Prins GroupTour at Prins Group
Next up was a visit to Van Leeuwen Westland, where Bart van Leeuwen gave the group a tour of his impressive 10 ha greenhouse. Van Leeuwen Westland specializes in potted plants, including chrysanthemums and hydrangeas.
The growers showed particular interest in the sustainable technologies being used there. The greenhouse runs on a cogeneration system that not only powers the operation but also connects back to the grid to return excess electricity.
© Prins GroupBart van Leeuwen talking to the group about the cogen and geothermal heat project
Another standout innovation was Van Leeuwen Westland's participation in a geothermal heating project, sourcing heat from 2 miles underground to warm greenhouses for 45 local growers.
Midday, the group headed to Growers United for a well-deserved lunch and a deep dive into a new-generation cooperative model. With 25 members managing a combined 728 hectares of growing space, Growers United supports its members with packaging and distribution of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
The cooperative blends traditional values with modern, forward-thinking operations. A tour through their state-of-the-art packaging facility was a highlight, showcasing how innovation and efficiency go hand in hand. The final stop of the day was all about research and future-focused horticulture. The group visited the newly opened HortiTech Innovation Center, which launched just last September.
This center is quickly becoming a hub for cutting-edge research by key horticultural suppliers, including the Plantonomy concept by Priva in collaboration with IUNU and Blue Radix. One of the major innovations being trialed here is the SAIA tomato cultivation system, which recently won the Greentech Innovation Award.
Bas Froom, Chief Commercial Officer, gave an informative presentation, and the growers had the chance to ask plenty of questions.
© Prins GroupBas Froom from SAIA engaging in discussion about the new revolutionary tomato cultivation system
All in all, it was an exciting, educational, and inspiring day filled with meaningful discussions, innovative ideas, and a deeper understanding of what makes Dutch horticulture a global leader.
© Prins GroupView over the Westland from the rooftop of the Growers United building
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