unite forces . That is what Annie van de Riet believes in . And therefore , the function as chairman at the trade connexion AVAG agree her like a boxing glove . AVAG dwell of about 75 Dutch companies that form together in the field of structured growing system , components , and associated Service . She is also the director of Hortivation , a cornerstone that focuses on technical innovations and knowledge management in greenhouse horticulture .
" I think the Dutch government would be doing the horticultural sphere a Brobdingnagian avail if there were a level acting field internationally . The regulations in countries are now very dissimilar . If you look at the use of flora protection products , for instance , but also at the objective within the energy transition , each country devote its own rendition of this . "
" administration goals are also constantly shifting . You detect this , for example , in the subsidies that nursery gardening entrepreneurs can claim . These alter object lens create an uncertain mood for entrepreneurs . It is difficult , or actually almost impossible , to do business within those frameworks . In my impression , it is necessary for the government to ply more clarity so that entrepreneurs know where they tolerate and can adjust their plan consequently . In this way , it remain attractive to grow in the Netherlands . Otherwise , more and more growers will move overseas .
That ’s a shame . To remain relevant and to introduce further , we simply need a certain scale . That is why it is important that Dutch nursery horticulture remains large enough . "
What are you actively doing to get The Hague moving?“With AVAG , we are , of path , not primarily concerned with horticulture . Our members are supplier . But indeed , we for certain have an pastime in preserve the Dutch greenhouse horticulture sphere . That ’s why I adjudicate to interpret this news report where I can . But it ’s not something I ’m going for powerful aside . “AVAG represents the coarse interest group of its members and supports them in the country of quality , innovation , and internationalization . Let ’s zoom in on innovation . What is your vision of mechanisation and robotization in the sector?Annie : " I think it is necessary for the sphere to vest hard in this . First , there is a labor famine . With robotization , you need fewer worker to secure output in the future . second , our cultivation cognition is becoming increasingly scarce while the world population grows and the demand for nutrient is constantly increasing . Automation is , therefore , necessary to replace the ' light-green thumb . ' Ultimately , we endeavour for an sovereign glasshouse that is the future . Our members are full engaged in this transition . But of track , it also take a lot from the horticultural caller to be capable to make that move . "
Why are there less and less people with ' light-green thumbs'?In the past tense , cultivation knowledge was go on on from father to Logos , but you now see fewer descendants taking over the troupe . Of course , you also learn a lot in school , but it is difficult to interest vernal multitude in the glasshouse horticulture sphere . Many do not screw the sector and do not know that there are so many opportunities . We recently received 100 MBO and HBO educatee at GreenTech with AVAG to give an insight into glasshouse horticulture under the name HortiTalent . They all move home improbably enthusiastic , they had no idea how large and forward-looking the glasshouse gardening sector is . The societal prospect that horticulture makes an significant contribution to the global food issue also fascinates these young people . In light , I think this story should be told more to interest untried people . "
The vim passage will be a spearpoint in the greenhouse horticulture sphere in the coming class . What do you think about that?Annie : " In December , our conference was held with the theme : how do we introduce out of the energy crisis ? Cora van Nieuwenhuizen , chair of Energie - Nederland , was also present as a verbalizer . She had no theme that Dutch horticulture contributes 10 % to the zip needs of the Netherlands . Especially at peak times when there is no sun or farting , glasshouse horticulture offer a solution . The fact that she did n’t know this say that we have a lot more to tell about this story . "
" Of of course , there is still a lot of energy in the sector , but so many good steps have already been taken . It ’s a much different state of affairs than it was ten year ago . If a new glasshouse is built now , it will be energy - neutral or most energy - neutral . I am , therefore , irrefutable about the energy transition and the future . Reducing energy expenditure and making energy more sustainable are of import motif for our AVAG members . I constantly see new foundation and nuance of be solvent . GreenTech is the microscope stage where the latest developments are presented every year . I am convinced that we will see beautiful things again next June . "
How strong is the Dutch top position at the moment?Annie : " I retrieve this one is very sturdy . The turnover of the 75 AVAG companies is 3 billion euro . 80 % of this is realized abroad . Conversely , you could say that of all glass greenhouses that are built in the world , a Dutch provider is involved in 80 % of the cases . So I think we ’re in a very solid position . However , I would wish to issue an important admonition right away : we must go forward to innovate so as to keep that position . All kinds of countries are investing in the gardening sphere . That is also logical because the future is promising with such a rising human beings population that needs sufficient , good , and high - quality food . To maintain our leading position in the Netherlands , we will have to stay to innovate . And that ’s hard at the moment because you induct in young things for tomorrow and not for today . So there must be way for that , and that is not useable everywhere now . But I am convinced that this will lend up . That is why it is authoritative that our horticultural area in the Netherlands remains with child enough to continue developing invention . "
How important is collaborationism in the glasshouse horticulture sphere , in your opinion?Annie : " The common screw thread in my calling is indeed quislingism , partnerships , entrepreneurs , and innovation . Everything comes back to that . That also shows that I strongly believe in the indigence for cooperation . Of naturally , it is every company for itself . Every company has to accomplish its own objectives and make a employee turnover . But in the things where you do n’t compete with each other , do so together . In the pre - militant ambiance , you may do so many things together , which gives you more time , space , and imagination to invest in your own unique characteristics of your company . That ’s what I stand up for , and that ’s what I ’m go for . "
For more information : Ludvig Svensson[email protected]www.ludvigsvensson.com
