On April 6 and 7, Dutch growers opened their greenhouses to the general public. During the 46th edition of this annual event, which is called 'Kom in de Kas' (Visit the Greenhouse), people could visit greenhouses in 18 regions in the Netherlands. In total, 115 growers opened their doors - and we were present to have a look at what's happening behind the glass.
Groene Liefde (Green Love)
This year's theme was "Green Love". "Green love for each other, the sector, for the grower and the products grown in the greenhouse", says the organization. Growers and their employees not only took the opportunity to highlight their products, also all the innovations that put the sector at the forefront worldwide.
Large interest for gerberas at Gerbera United
Photo report
No matter which greenhouse you visited, the bumblebee hives were displayed everywhere, one could try and purchase greenhouse-grown vegetables and there were activities for children. Our editorial staff traveled across the country to visit various locations, an impression can be found here in our photo report (in Dutch).
Westland area
Not all 'greenhouse regions' participate every year, but the Westland does. It was traditionally busy and also a true horticultural reunion. 9 companies participated in the rural areas of Poeldijk and Monster. The organization estimated on Sunday that the region received 20 to 30.000 visitors. Quite a bit of English was also spoken with foreign visitors, who were provided with a QR code that made the walking brochure available in English. Bianca from the organization's marketing department was praised for this.
Martijn Greven and Theo Willemse of Florinco gave more information about the drone Scandr, a project together with Royal Brinkman. During Kom in de Kas, the drone was demonstrated.
Lisianthus grower Hans was present at Lisanthus nursery Montana Lisianthus as a volunteer to speak to visitors. He is not concerned about the sector. "We are developing so quickly that it is impossible to keep up abroad," the man with forty years of experience was convinced. "Certain crops will disappear, such as roses, because they can also grow them abroad." Labor is a challenge, but it has been that way for a while and other sectors also have the same problem, the experienced grower further points out. "So it shouldn't be a problem."
About Kom in de Kas
Kom in de Kas is the largest public event in Dutch greenhouse industry. The event was powered by Glastuinbouw Nederland, GroentenFruit Huis, Royal FloraHolland, Interpolis, Sazas, Plantion, Axia Seeds and Flower Council of Holland and many regional sponsors. In 2025, Kom in de Kas will be on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6. For more information, visit www.komindekas.nl.
Click here for our photo report of Kom in de Kas 2024 (In Dutch).