On Wednesday afternoon, 4 December, the World Horti Center officially opened its seventh theme square, Power of Plants. This theme square puts the plant center stage and shows how today's challenges can be converted into solutions that contribute to more sustainable, productive, and future-proof horticulture. Under the watchful eye of over 30 attendees, the participants planted the last plants in the indoor forest. The afternoon included a presentation by Ermi van Oers. She spoke about the energy generated by plants.
What is Power of Plants?
''When horticulture is promoted, it is often about glass and steel; entrepreneurs and suppliers are proud of the (mechanical) techniques they have developed or offer. From a focus on mass production (as many kilos per m2 as possible), this is understandable, but this approach no longer fits the current vision,'' says Jim Koop, Creative Manager at World Horti Center. Power of Plants puts the plant central, with technology being a means of ensuring the healthiest possible product. In this latest theme square at World Horti Center, these techniques have been integrated to allow a piece of lush nature to flourish in an unexpected location: in the middle of an enclosed space without daylight.
Presentations
Several presentations were scheduled during the opening on Wednesday 4 December. Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center, kicked off the afternoon with a welcome speech. This was followed by a presentation by Jim Koop, Creative Manager at World Horti Center, who told more about the creation of the square. Lecturer Roel van Heijningen and student Larissa of MBO Westland also spoke and talked more about the use of data and technology in cultivation. Ermi van Oers of Nova Innova gave a presentation on energy generated by plants. This energy is released during a process in the soil, captured by a biological battery, and can run special lights. The 'The Park of Tomorrow' project in Rotterdam uses this technology, making it the first park in the world to be lit with energy generated by plants.
Official opening
After the presentations, the last plants were planted in the indoor forest by the six participants of the theme square: Jort Schalke of RED Horticulture, Roos Buijsrogge of Koppert, Juan Migliora of Van Iperen International, Kristina Arutyunyan of Skytree, Kim Helderman of Letsgrow.com and Victor Vijfvinkel of Hoogendoorn Growth Management. This took place under the watchful eye of more than 30 attendees, they were joined by Larissa from MBO Westland, Ermi van Oers from Nova Innova, and Jim Koop and Puck van Holsteijn from World Horti Center. All went to work wearing gloves and planted several beautiful green plants with a shovel. Puck van Holsteijn, CEO of World Horti Center concluded: ''I am proud of the end result of this seventh theme square and the cooperation that takes place here between leading companies. It was an inspiring afternoon with good energy.'
For more information:
World Horti Center
[email protected]
https://www.worldhorticenter.nl/