What would you prefer: fresh vegetables from intensive greenhouse horticulture or fresh vegetables from extensive organic agriculture? ‘Why having to choose between two opposites?’ Perry Dekkers Commercial Director at Growers United rightly responds. ‘Such a polarising statement proves counterproductive. The existence of both options allows us to supply the European market with sustainably grown, healthy vegetables throughout the year.’
It’s no surprise that Dutch greenhouse horticulturalists are number one in Europe when it comes to producing sustainable, fresh vegetables. ‘Our vegetables are predominantly grown in greenhouses as this allows us to regulate the production process accurately, while at the same time using less (farm)land.’
Instead of polarising, keep focusing on supply security
‘Quite often, the intensive greenhouse horticulture and extensive organic agriculture are presented as two sides of the spectrum. Which sparks a discussion about which of the two production processes would be the best,’ Perry responds. ‘But such an approach will not benefit anyone; not the greenhouse horticulture, not the organic agriculture, and certainly not the European consumer. It is more important to focus on availability and supply security of our healthy product. As together, we can fill the shelves all year with sustainably grown, healthy vegetables. Working in our industry we are already aware, but through continuously optimising the production process, Dutch greenhouse horticulturalists largely contribute to the food security of European consumers. And in a sustainable manner while maintaining a small carbon footprint.’
‘Since the second half of the nineteenth century, the sunlight and optimal conditions in the western part of the Netherlands have been used for greenhouse horticulture. To enable a large yield on the expensive (farm)land, our growers use knowledge that has been passed from generation to generation while being altered to fit current times. This knowledge of both biology and technology helps them to further optimise and increase sustainability in the production of fresh vegetables.’
Dutch greenhouse horticulture an example for sustainable future
This also captured the attention of internationally acclaimed documentary maker and biologist Sir David Attenborough. In his documentary A Life On Our Planet he states Dutch greenhouse horticulture as an example for a sustainable future. Where, very efficiently and with little impact on the environment, plenty of food can be produced.
‘The Netherlands is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. It is covered with small family-run farms with no room for expansion. So, Dutch farmers have become experts at getting the most out of every hectare,’ Sir David Attenborough explains. ‘Increasingly, they are doing so sustainably. Increasing yields tenfold with every generation while at the same time, using much less water, fewer chemicals, less fertiliser and emitting less carbon. Notwithstanding its size, the Netherlands is now the world’s second exporter of food. It is entirely possible for us to apply both low-tech and high-tech solutions to produce much more food from much less (farm)land.’
Innovative production process guarantees high-quality vegetables
How do Dutch growers manage to produce so much food on a relatively small amount of (farm)land? What makes our greenhouse horticulture so successful? ‘By producing in a relatively closed system, we can optimally control the conditions,’ Perry explains. ‘Think of regulating the indoor climate using as much sustainable energy as possible, reusing water and nutrients, and using natural crop protection through using natural enemies. This allows us to continuously guarantee the supply of sustainably produced fresh vegetables with an overall high quality.’
‘Through their endless dedication and continuous sustainable optimisation of their production process, the horticulturalists of the approximately 70 locations of Growers United, make sure that European consumers have access to fresh and healthy tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines at a fair price.’
Growers United and its horticulturalists keep focusing on a sustainable future. Curious to know how we produce sustainable and healthy vegetables? Visit the website of Growers United for more information, or get in touch via marketing@growersunited.nl or +31 (0)174 238 000.