Where are we now
Good usable water is becoming increasingly scarce, including in the Netherlands. Our growers have championed the efficient and economic use of water for many years. We have mapped out the water flows of 87% of our growers to gain insight into where we can still make improvements in order to achieve (almost) completely closed cultivation companies.
Rainwater is collected and used to irrigate plants. This rainwater is purified, and nutrients are added in. Any water that is not absorbed by the plants is collected and reused. 100% of the small amount of water that eventually has to be discharged is purified. 32% of our growers have a water buffer which they use in the event of extreme rainfall.
Goals for 2025
By 2025 100% of
our growers
have mapped their
water system
How do we tackle this
Our goal is for 100% of the growers to have a fully closed water cycle by 2025. This means that all the water is collected and reused. An important step in this process is mapping out all water flows, including a leakage check.
In addition, where possible, our growers provide space for a water buffer in which excess rainwater can be temporarily stored. This prevents flooding. Our growers always do this in close consultation with local water and other authorities.
underground
water storage
Greenbrothers, an aubergine grower in Zevenbergen, stores water underground. This means that not a single drop is wasted if his reservoir is full or if it overflows in the event of extreme rainfall. In a dry period, the rainwater stored underground is pumped up to the surface, filtered and used to water the aubergine plants.
residual
water
Pointed pepper grower Van der Lans and aubergine grower De Jong in Dinteloord use residual water from beet sugar production. Sugar beet consists of 70% water. The Cosun sugar factory purifies the water released from the beets and stores the cleaned water in underground tanks. From there it runs through pipes to the growing sites where they use it to water their plants.
